A memorial fund has been launched to honour an Exmouth man who lost his life to Covid-19, and others who have fallen victim to the virus.

Lisa Hamer's husband Adrian, AKA Mr Snuggles, was aged 55 with no underlying health problems.

She is heartbroken, and wants to raise awareness that the virus can affect anyone.

She is pleading with all local residents to obey the rules on preventing the spread of coronavirus.

She said: "The virus is in Exmouth, it's in our community. Our loved ones , husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, they are human beings with lives and stories.

"I hope I have given a voice to the fact you don't have to be elderly or unwell to succumb to this awful virus. I hope it makes a difference, and hopefully makes people think twice before taking risks and breaking the rules.

"We are currently fundraising in memory of Adrian and other loved ones lost to this evil virus in our local community and further afield.

"Adrian, as well as all the other loved ones lost to Covid, are not numbers, nor are they statistics, and all need to be remembered.

"We plan to host a Memorial Day when safe to do so for the families to meet and celebrate their lives of their loved ones.

"Adrian was 55, he was young, fit and healthy. I feel robbed, cheated, I'm heartbroken, I've lost my soulmate."

Lisa wants the Memorial Day to honour all those in the East Devon district who have lost their lives to Covid-19. Anyone who has lost a loved one to the virus is asked to contact her at [email protected] so that they can be invited to the event.

Lisa's friend Kelly Bramford has set up a GoFundMe page to raise £3,000 for a memorial tree and bench. To donate, visit Mr Snuggles Community Memorial Tree and Bench