Tributes to Colchester man, 21, who died after contracting Covid

Paul Stubbings died on Monday after spending two-weeks at Colchester Hospital fighting the virus.

The former Stanway School student had worked at the Hare and Hounds pub near his home in Birch for almost a decade and was a beloved resident of the village.

Best friend William Adams, also 21, said: “I met him through living in the village ten years ago which is around when he started working at the pub.

“He knew lots of people in Birch and he was a very much-loved pillar of the community.

“He was a bubbly person and he would go into any room and he’d light it up.

“He had an infectious laugh and he always knew how to brighten up your day. He was my best friend and like a brother to me.

“Everyone loved him and he really was one of a kind. It should not have happened.”

Like brothers - Paul Stubbings and William Adams, both 21

William said Paul, a talented chef, had no underlying health conditions and so his death had come as a huge shock to his loved ones.

“He was healthy so it is really scary,” William said.

“He managed to fight for two weeks then he just couldn’t any longer.

“If someone like Paul with no health conditions can get Covid and pass away then anyone can.”

He added: “It is so, so worrying.”

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Paul was in a long-term relationship with partner Rose Benton, who William said had been left heartbroken by his death.

William said: “It was coming up to their two year anniversary.

“She was his first proper girlfriend and he was such a gentleman.

“He really loved her. She is absolutely devastated.”

Beloved - Rose Benton and Paul Stubbings, who has passed away with Covid aged just 21

William has set up a fundraiser for Paul’s family, hoping to raise at least £4,000 to cover the costs of the funeral.

He added: “I thought £4,000 was a good start and any more we raise will go to supporting his family.

“Anything extra we raise will be a big help to them.”

Kind-hearted supporters have donated more than £3,800 in just over 24 hours.

Donate at uk.gofundme.com/f/help-to-raise-funds-for-pauls-send-off.