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Colin Horseman died with Covid 19, aged 85, earlier this month, even though he had just a couple of weeks earlier received a first dose of the vaccine, which takes several weeks to build up immunity.

Today, son Simon Horseman was attending his father’s funeral at Rose Hill, an event that was limted to 30 mourners to fit in with the current lockdown restrictions.

Pensioner's shock after being fined for parking at Doncaster vaccine centre

Colin Horseman with son Simon and grandchildren

For Simon, from Finningley, the news that 100,000 people had now died of Covid in the UK was poignant, coming the day before the funeral.

He said: “At the end of the day, the fact that it’s passed 100,000 shows how serious it is. Initially they were talking about 20,000 deaths being an optimistic number.

"It’s five times that now, and having lost a parent to it, I realise how awful it is. Everyone needs to be knuckling down to stop it.

"It’s dad’s funeral today. They have to wheel in the coffin because people can’t touch it.

"People need to realise how bad Covid is when it happens.

"You can’t say I’m young, I won’t get it. It’s when it happens to your parents, your grandparents, and you can’t even visit them in hospital to see them.

"It’s as simple as that. It really upset me. It just brings it all back. Not being able to say goodbye is really tough. You realise how serious it is when a loved on gets it and passes away.

"I would urge people to stay safe and get their vaccines as soon as they can. I’m 52, and as soon as I become eligible to it, I will get my jab.”

Colin, originally from Hartlepool, moved to Doncaster to be a plate welder at Armthorpe Colliery.

As a young man he had served with the Royal Artillery in the Far East during the 1950s, during the Malayan Emergency.

He had been fit and active and was a regional weightlifting champion in the 1960s.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Poignant moment as grim milestone arrives day before Doncaster Covid funeral

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.