MARCH 2020 marked the beginning of what can only be described as a heartbreaking 12 months.

Though the pandemic showed us the best of humanity, with people rallying together to support our NHS and communities, it also left many isolated and claimed the lives of hundreds of loved ones.

As we look forward with hope towards a potential end to this pandemic, it is important to reflect and remember those we have lost and ensure their memories live on.

From our first reported case in St Helens on the week commencing March 16 2020, we have lost hundreds of residents after they tested positive for Covid-19.

Here is a selection of the tributes to people we have featured in the Star over the past year as we think of all those who have lost loved ones.

Sadeq Elhowsh

Orthopaedic surgeon Sadeq Elhowsh died at Whiston Hospital in April 2020 after contracting coronavirus.

Sadeq, 58, from St Helens, was described as a loving husband and father to four sons, and was dearly loved by all of his close colleagues and well respected by his patients.

Thousands of NHS gathered together in front of Whiston Hospital to applaud his hearse as it made final trip to the hospital he had served for more than 17 years.

Ray Rush

96-year-old D-Day veteran Ray died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in May.

Raymond Rush, who was born in Prescot in 1923, joined the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire regiment in September 1942 and was part of the first wave landing on Sword Beach, Normandy on June 6, 1944.

He saw action in France, Holland and Belgium and finished up in Croatia.

He was demobbed in 1948 and returned to St Helens, where he set up as a pig farmer before going on to work at Greenalls brewery.

After his wife Violet died some years ago, and after a period of frail health, Raymond, who was awarded France’s highest honour the Legion d’Honneur in June 2019, moved to Colliers Croft care home in Haydock.

On May 23, Ray passed away in Whiston Hospital.

Paul Gaythwaite

St Helens mental health nurse Paul Gaythwaite, died after a battle with Covid-19. Caring for older people was Paul’s passion. He was a senior nurse practitioner supporting older people with mental health conditions in the St Helens community, having worked at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for 22 years.

Paul, 53, contracted Covid-19 in September 2020. He became seriously ill and was admitted to Whiston Hospital, where he died on Sunday, October 18.

Paul leaves behind husband David, who he married three years ago and spent 22 years with.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson, who was one of the longest-serving teachers at Penkford School in Newton-le-Willows, died on Sunday, February 7, aged 63.

Mrs Jackson was the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and science teacher.

She passed away in Whiston Hospital after contracting Covid-19. Mrs Jackson worked in education for three decades, dedicating more than half of that at Penkford.

She died just days after Penkford was forced to close due to a number of Covid outbreaks.

Margaret Waine

Margaret Waine, who worked nights on Whiston Hospital’s stroke rehabilitation ward, passed away aged 64. Margaret was a loving mother to sons Michael and Gregory and daughter Elizabeth, and grandmother to Olivia and Mason.

She had worked at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust since 1981, having previously worked at St Helens Providence Hospital.

Liz Roberts

Liz Roberts, who worked at Sutton Children’s Centre as a clerical officer, died on Thursday, February 25 2021 aged 58 after testing positive for Covid-19.

The devoted Liverpool FC follower and Saints fan was expecting to become a grandmother for the first time which she was thrilled and excited about.

Her family say she wanted to be called Nanny Liz.