Mark Wright has emotionally detailed how Covid ‘tore apart his family’ after six relatives all battled the deadly virus within days of each other.
Speaking in a new candid interview and video, the former TOWIE star, 34, said that his family will ‘never be the same again’ after losing his uncle Edward to coronavirus.
Edward, whose son is Mark’s cousin Elliott Wright, tragically passed away aged 66 at the beginning of March following an eight-week battle with Covid.
Speaking to The Sun in an emotional interview and video, Mark wiped away tears as he said: ‘We’re all heartbroken beyond belief. I’m trying to be there for many, many family members who are devastated.’
Emotional: Mark Wright has emotionally detailed how Covid has ‘tore apart his family’ after six relatives all battled the deadly virus within days of each other
The radio presenter admitted that he was left ‘struggling to cope’ over the festive period after six family members battled coronavirus within days of each other.
Mark said: ‘I could have lost them all. I’m struggling to cope with this. In December and January I was at a point with a grandma, grandpa, mum, dad and uncle. Covid tore my family apart and it’s not going to be the same again.’
In January Mark revealed coronavirus had left his uncle in a ‘critical condition’ after detailing how his own father Mark Snr had been ‘mentally changed’ by his battle with Covid.
Ex-TOWIE star Mark, 33, whose parents Mark. Snr, 64, and Carol, 60, announced on New Year’s Eve they had been struck down by the virus, said his father was ‘not the same as four weeks ago’ during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Mark said at the time: ‘My dad is out of hospital now. One of my dad’s brothers is in hospital on oxygen.
‘His other brother, my uncle Eddie, Elliott’s dad, is in a critical condition, we’re praying each night that he gets better.
Tragic: Speaking in a new candid interview and video, the former TOWIE star, 34, insisted his family will ‘never be the same again’ after losing his uncle Edward to coronavirus (pictured in 2016)
‘We are hearing from doctors that he’s not getting worse, but we’re still praying he gets through this.’
Mark emotionally spoke about the after-effects of the virus on his father, saying it had affected him mentally.
He said: ‘I mean, he’s out of hospital and I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this but, mentally something’s not right there at the moment.
‘He’s okay but he’s not my dad that he was four weeks ago. He’s better and I’m hoping there’s improvement more to come, but it can leave long lasting problems.’
Mark then made an impassioned plea to people to listen to the government and follow the rules pertaining social distancing, mask wearing and household mixing.
He said: ‘The message is what it should have been and has been from the start, like Kate has tried to promote on Good Morning Britain until you see it first hand, that might be the day you realise I need to buck up my ideas, but then it might be too late.’
‘I have good friends who are conspiracy theorists and they think it’s all rubbish and you don’t need to be locking down the country.
‘My answer is, the Government, whether they are right or wrong, they know more than you, so, if they are telling you to do this, do it.
‘Because until you get to a point where I am now, and I’ve had the hardest few weeks of my life and looking at basically potentially losing family members who are close to you or them being very sick.
‘You will regret doing what you are doing. So listen to the rules, stay at home, there is a lockdown for a reason.
‘Please just obey by these rules, it’s so important. When you see it first hand, it’s the most scariest virus you will ever see, the things it does to the body, what it’s done to my dad.
Mark’s sister Jess also revealed at the time that some of her family has been hospitalised by coronavirus.
The former TOWIE star detailed how Covid had ripped through her family like ‘wildfire’, with some having to seek treatment in hospital.
Jess wrote: ‘Covid has ripped through my family in the past month and it has been absolutely horrendous. Please stay safe everyone, stay home, wear masks and also check on loved ones regularly.
‘The fight isn’t over for us yet, we are taking every day as it comes and praying a lot. This new strain seems to be spreading like wildfire.
‘Thank you the well wishes for those who have known, for my family members that have been hospitalised by this awful, awful virus.’