THE widow of a Barrow train conductor who died after contracting coronvirus has issued a plea to people to get their Covid vaccines and boosters.

Cath McTigue lost her beloved husband Richard in March at the age of 50 after fighting coronavirus, which later developed into sepsis, in Furness General Hospital.

Born and raised on Walney Island, Mr McTigue left behind his wife and son Daniel.

Tributes flooded in for the ever-popular train conductor, who was well-loved for his unique character and personality.

Mrs McTigue, a nurse, said it had been difficult for her to understand why Richard did not receive the Covid vaccine when she did just before Christmas last year.

The Walney resident believes this was an oversight by the Government and more should have been done to protect the families of key workers like hers.

"With the new booster coming in now, they must have worked out that some people must need the extra jab," Mrs McTigue said.

"There are still idiotic people out there who will not get the jab.

"My 16-year-old has just had his first one now which is great.

"I just do not understand why people who have the opportunity to have the vaccine do not want it.

"I wish Richard could have had the jab at the same time as I did as it could have saved him.

"I just do not get why people would be willing to have lip filler put in but won't have the vaccine."

This plea comes after the NHS officially launched its coronavirus booster campaign on Thursday, which will see millions of eligible people offered a Pfizer vaccine, or in some cases a half-dose of Moderna.

They include frontline NHS and social care staff, anyone aged 50 and over, and those under 50 with health conditions that put them at risk of severe Covid.

People are likely to be offered their booster jab in the same order of priority as was set down during the initial vaccination campaign.