Mourners gathered in North Tyneside today to pay their respects to a much-loved father and son who died of Covid within days of each other.
A double funeral was held for Alastair and Mark Rennie at Tynemouth Crematorium on Tuesday afternoon, led by Reverend Martin Rigg who has known the family for around 30 years.
Elaine Rennie also paid tribute to her dad Alistair and brother Mark during the ceremony by singing a number of songs, including one titled 'Daddy' which she had composed in her dad's memory. The moving song included lyrics such as "I love you" and "you have my heart forever".
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Elaine previously told ChronicleLive that losing her dad and brother within days of each other - as well as previous losses including that of her mum Mary three years ago - was incredibly difficult. Today she appeared to take comfort in the thought that her family had all been reunited in heaven.
She told the congregation: "They're all living happy now. I miss them so much."
Alastair and Mark, from Whitley Bay, died within days of each other after contracting Covid. Alistair died on April 13, aged 82, and his son Mark died on April 21, aged 47.
Alistair had only just recovered from a spell in hospital with bowel issues when it became clear he - and then his son - had caught the virus, which they were both highly vulnerable to. Alistair was considered vulnerable due to his age and Mark was considered vulnerable due to living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which he was diagnosed with at the age of 27.
Loved ones heard that they had done everything possible to protect them against the virus. Revd Rigg told the congregation: "They'd taken all the right precautions, done all the right things and got vaccinated."
During the funeral, guests heard that Alistair was born in Glasgow and moved to the North East to work Swan Hunter. He later became a consultant to a fashion company, but retired in 2004 to become Mark's carer.
Mark worked at Royal Bank of Scotland until his MS meant he was unable to work. His condition left him bedbound and while he was unable to go out and socialise he built up friendships online via social media.
Paying tribute to her brother, Elaine added: "My brother won't have MS anymore, he'll be so happy."
Mark's favourite song 'Western Sky' by American Music Club was played at the ceremony and Elaine performed a version of her dad's favourite song 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele.
Elaine also concluded the ceremony by singing a version of 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' by Belinda Carlisle, before a single white dove was released in Alastair and Mark's memory.
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