'People think it’s not going to happen to them' - Family's heartbreak after mam loses coronavirus battle aged 52

Janet Robe, from Whiteleas, passed away at South Tyneside District Hospital with her family by her side on January 22 after a short battle with coronavirus.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with Covid-19 on January 6 and as her condition deteriorated in the days that followed, she was taken to hospital and placed on a ventilator.

Janet, who suffered from autoimmune disease and asthma, was cared for by a devoted medical team in the intensive care unit but sadly lost her brave fight.

Since then, her family have received an outpouring of love and messages for Janet who, during her life, did everything she could to help her local community.

Now Janet’s two children, Brandon Robe, 34, and Sam Robe, 30, hope that sharing their mother’s story will raise awareness of the danger of Covid-19.

Brandon said: "Mam was such a lovely person – you couldn’t help but fall in love with her.

"People from her past have come forward with so many different stories about what she did for them and we have been absolutely blown away.

"She has left such a lasting impression and touched so many lives.”

He continued: “We are absolutely fed up with people saying that Covid is not real, that it’s fake.

"We have sat in ICU and held the hand of our dying mother. We have watched people on ventilators, heard the panic, seen doctors crying and exhausted.

“We never thought it would be us. Until it hits close to home, people think it’s not going to happen to them but it can happen to anyone.

"This virus doesn't discriminate – everyone is at risk.”

Janet helped out in the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the first lockdown, she hand-delivered letters in her local area asking people to contact her if they needed anything – from emotional support to help with shopping.

She even became a foster carer for two boys aged seven and eight who had lost their grandad during the pandemic and cared for them until she passed away.

As well as helping people through her job as a tenant liaison officer for South Tyneside Council, Janet was also well-known for charitable work.

Over the years, she has given both her time and money to help charities and local organisations such as Hebburn Helps, Sunderland Soup Kitchen, Key Project and food banks.

An active member of the Living Waters church in Laygate, Janet felt it was important to give back to her community.

Son Brandon said: “Christianity was a huge part of her life and she just wanted to give back.

“She was an amazing mam and she was extra special because of what she has done for the community around her.”

“We are so proud of her for what she has done,” daughter Sam added.

"She was an incredible woman.

"A lot of the stuff she has done we didn’t even know about, but people who have been helped by her have come forward with stories.

"We are really proud but not surprised at all as we know how selfless she was.”

The family now hope to carry on Janet’s legacy through charitable endeavours of their own in the future.

Janet was also devoted to her family as a grandmother to Brandon’s son, Marley Robe, seven, and wife to Kenny Robe, 55. The pair had been married for 37 years.

A Go Fund Me page has now been set up to support the family who have also been hit hard financially following their tragic loss.

Janet didn’t have life insurance and husband Kenny, who worked away as a rigger, has had to give up work to be with his family.

More than £2,000 has been raised but more is needed to support them during this difficult time.

To donate to the fundraiser please visit: https://gofund.me/64183fad

Under coronavirus restrictions the funeral service for Janet will be restricted to 15 people, however, those wishing to pay their respects can do so by watching a live stream of the service at 10.30am on February 6 through this link: https://www.obitus.com/ Username: Xelo5862 Password: 325701.

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