A heartbroken family has revealed how flu killed their 20-year-old son – as his father fought for his life, battling the same illness, beside him.
They have spoken out as part of a drive to urge people to get the flu jab.
Macauley Bratherton passed away in February. His sister Michaela said: ‘Macauley was a young, fit and healthy 20-year-old who liked nothing better than to spend time with his friends and family.’
Macauley was admitted to Glan Clwyd Hospital after several days of feeling unwell
Macauley’s passion was to write and sing songs and he hoped to make this his career.
She added: ‘On the Tuesday, Macauley came down with flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat and coughing and generally feeling unwell.
‘As the week progressed the symptoms became worse and on the Saturday an ambulance was called.
‘His condition was so bad he was admitted straight to the intensive care unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital where he was put on a ventilator.’
She added: ‘We were told that Macauley had contracted influenza A and pneumonia and that he was very poorly. Macauley passed away on Monday, February 6.
‘His father Mick was admitted to hospital on the same day as his son, also suffering with flu.
Retired Mick, 68, of Rhyl, said: ‘I’d been unwell for a few days. Both Macauley and I were suffering with the same symptoms. My body hurt and it felt as if I’d had the stuffing knocked out of me and I was having difficulty breathing.
‘I called for an ambulance for Macauley on the Saturday morning, but by that afternoon I was also admitted to the intensive care unit in a bed opposite my son. I was in the intensive care unit for two weeks, I’d never felt so ill.’
He added: ‘I still haven’t totally recovered from having the flu and I’m still being seen by the doctors for this.
‘We as a family are urging anyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine to have it,’ says Macauley’s sister, Michaela, pictured here with his mum, Linda
‘I was eligible for a flu jab but didn’t have it – I’ll definitely be having it this year.’
Michaela added: ‘We as a family are urging anyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine to have it. You won’t be helping just yourself, but also those who are not eligible for the jab like Macauley.
‘The more people who have the flu jab, the harder it will be for flu to circulate within communities.’