THE son of much-loved East Tilbury man Mark Bullock has spoken of his pride in his dad who battled on against illness but eventually succumbed to Covid-19.

Earlier today we reported on the passing of Mr Bullock and the huge amount of tributes and positive comments he evoked from the people of East Tilbury and beyond.

This evening his son Ashleigh spoke about the bravery of his dad, who was determined to live a full life despite suffering a debilitating illness 15 years ago.

Ashleigh said: "He had an immune deficiency that was caused by pneumonia 15 years ago but he never gave up doing what he loved which was working and seeing people and talking to any one he bumped in to.

The illness left him with only one lung and having to have infusion every three weeks to build some immunity. He knew if he come into contact with any virus or strong flu he wouldn't be able to fight and it would eventually take his life but he wouldn't give up what he enjoyed.

"Sadly he came down with Covid. He was fighting it very well for three weeks but was put on to a ventilator and started deteriorating over the past five days.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and the time they took to talk to him."