Family of much-loved Hartlepool man who died of covid to fulfil his wish by raising money for 'diamond' NHS staff

Colin Sutheran, 60, was tragically found to have the virus on the day he was due to receive his first jab.

He died several weeks later after being cared for in intensive care at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

Friends and family are due to remember him and raise money for the hospital’s ITU department with a fundraising night.

Colin’s daughter Kirsty Wass said: “When he was getting placed into a coma he said ‘when I get out we will raise some money for these because they’re absolute diamonds’.

"So that’s why we’re doing it. It was his wish.”

Colin, a welder of West Park married to Sue, tested positive for Covid-19 in February, despite being extremely careful.

He spent four weeks fighting it in hospital but passed away in March.

Kirsty added: “The day he was going to get the vaccine was the day he tested positive.”

Colin’s family have organised the charity night to be held at Seaton Carew Social Club on Friday, June 25.

Live entertainment will be provided courtesy of Hartlepool’s Phoenix Variety Showgroup which says it is proud to support the event.

There will also be a DJ, charity auction, raffle, and kids’ facepainting.

Kirsty, who owns baby shop Theas Wardrobe in York Road, said: “We’ve got 150 tickets and they are selling well so fingers crossed it will be a sell out for him.

"Dad helped me in the shop so a lot of people knew him from there and a lot of them are coming.”

A spokesperson at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re very grateful to the family and friends of Colin Sutheran for their kindness in raising funds for our intensive care unit.

"The Trust, and particularly our intensive care colleagues, wishes everyone enjoys a safe evening of remembrance for Colin.

"The support of our community has been vital to staff morale throughout the pandemic.

"Thank you for arranging this fundraising evening.”

Tickets for the night, which starts at 7pm, are £10 for adults including pie and peas, and £5 for children, available from Theas Wardrobe.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.