Heartbroken family of devoted dad, 48, who died while recovering from Covid-19 left in tears as funeral fundraiser hits £10,000

Devoted dad Dom Merrix, of North End, died on Thursday morning after appearing to have beaten the deadly bug.

The 48-year-old’s death left his lover, Sarah and their 10-year-old daughter, Ellie-Mai heartbroken and facing financial hardship.

The horrifying incident came just weeks after he was made redundant by his former employer SSE.

The tragedy sparked a crowdfunding effort – which has since raised a staggering £10,615 in the space of four days, with hundreds of strangers donating.

Speaking publicly for the first time, an emotional Mrs Merrix told The News: ‘I’m just overwhelmed, I’ve been in tears all morning. I don’t think anyone can understand how much it means to me and Ellie-Mai and how much financial pressure it’s taken away. It’s just going to help so much.’

As previously reported, Dom appeared to have beaten the bug and was ‘absolutely fine’ on the morning of his death – even tweeting his support for the NHS.

But just minutes later, he collapsed to the ground as he begged Sarah and Ellie-Mai to call an ambulance.

He suffered a fatal heart attack in the ambulance and died outside his home in Langley Road.

Tragically, little Ellie-Mai was watching from the window as paramedics valiantly spent 20 minutes trying to save her beloved dad.

Family friend Rachel Hibbert launched the fundraising appeal following Dom’s shock death in an effort to give some financial comfort to his heartbroken family.

She said she was astounded by the love and generosity shown by the public, with donors including players from Portsmouth Football Club – Dom’s beloved team.

She said: ‘I am completely lost for words this morning, waking up to see we have smashed 10k in a matter of days.

‘Knowing that so many people, many of those who didn’t even know Dom have contributed to pay for his funeral and to give Sarah and Ellie-Mai some financial stability makes me feel emotional.

‘My faith in people has definitely been restored.’

Rachel insisted the disease could kill anyone and urged people to stay inside.

She added: ‘We must make people understand that nobody is safe from this virus. People must protect themselves and their families at all costs.

Dom’s death rocked the Pompey community, with tributes being paid by fans and the club’s chief executive, Mark Catlin.

The 48-year-old dad’s funeral will take place at Portchester Crematorium later this month, where he will arrive in a customised, blue Pompey casket.

To support the fundraiser, see: gofundme.com/f/support-sarah-and-elliemai

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