A family has paid tribute to their ’hero’ who was the first person to lose their battle against Covid-19 in the Isle of Man.

Members of David Corkish’s family thanked the public for sending them messages and lighting candles in memory of the 84-year-old, who died on March 31.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle gave the news with the ’heaviest of hearts’ on April 1.

David’s son, Graham Corkish, wrote on Facebook: ’Firstly I’d like to put and name and a face to the islands first loss to this horrid invisible virus. My father and my hero and friend David Corkish 84 years young.

’Our dad was a true Manxman and would be proud how everyone came together to show support.

’As a family we can’t be together to grieve which is the really difficult, but we understand and want to keep the rest of our family, friends and beautiful isle safe.’

David was married to the late Rose Corkish and the pair played a ’huge part’ in the Manx community having supported many local clubs, events and charities.

’So we know the spirit of our isle would of moved them both,’ he said.

David has not been abroad and had not been out of his home for a number of weeks. He had also not been in contact with anybody who had been ill.

The family took great care to limit his contact with others to try and keep safe from the ’evil, invisible disease’, Graham added.

’Please please please if anything at all good could come from my fathers passing, let it be that you will all realise that this horrendous virus can spread to anybody.

’You all have the power to slow it down or even stop it completely by just staying home.

’Take precautions even if people give you funny looks or laugh, just remember your saving the lives of your loved ones by staying safe, washing your hands following the rules.

’My dad was the centre of all of our worlds and we have many happy memories and plenty of funny stories to tell our children and their children.

'You all have time to make more memories once this all over so please stay at home.’

The family thanked the Noble’s hospital workers who are putting themselves at risk to care for others.

’My father past peacefully because of these amazing humans and the care they gave him. We will be forever grateful,’ Graham said.