AS the year draws to an end we are taking the time to look back on those who have tragically lost their lives to the coronavirus.

As of the end of 2020, the United Kingdom has seen 2.15 million cases of Covid 19, and has suffered the loss of 69,051 of its people.

But behind each number are thousands of lives, stories, families and memories.

Friends and families have paid tribute to their loved ones, and shared their stories.

The Mail: TEACH: Mrs Wendy Jacobs was a well-loved headteacherTEACH: Mrs Wendy Jacobs was a well-loved headteacher

Wendy Jacobs, the headteacher of Roose Community Primary School, was one of the first people in Barrow to have her death attributed to the virus.

She passed away while being cared for at Furness General Hospital.

The Mail:

Allan Oldcorn, a grandfather from Flookburgh, passed away due to the virus two days after celebrating his 74th birthday.

Allan’s daughter, Wendy Cavin, said: “He was an amazing husband, dad, grandad and great grandad – the anchor of our family.”

The Mail: MISSED: Tom Herd MISSED: Tom Herd

Tom Herd, a local man from Kirkby Lonsdale, passed away a few days after he tested positive for the virus.

He was described by Rev Richard Snow as a “much-loved and respected friend and volunteer.”

The Mail: REMEMBER: Former Barrow AFC football player Brian ArrowsmithREMEMBER: Former Barrow AFC football player Brian Arrowsmith

Former Barrow AFC player and manager Brian Arrowsmith died of coronavirus in mid-April.

Mr Arrowsmith’s best friend of more than 50 years, Jimmy Wright, said: “I had a lot of time for Brian, I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

The Mail: HONOURED: Simon GuestHONOURED: Simon Guest

Radiographer at Furness General Hospital Simon Guest passed away after being treated for the virus at the hospital’s intensive care unit.

He was described as a “true hero” and “a dedicated professional.”

The Mail: IN MEMORY: Mark StanleyIN MEMORY: Mark Stanley

A senior paramedic, Mark Stanley, from Ulverston, also passed away from the virus while working to save lives.

His friend Duncan Beattie said: “Mark had a great sense of humour and cared enormously about training paramedic recruits.”

The Mail: REMEMBERED: Barry Bentley REMEMBERED: Barry Bentley

Thomas Barrington, known as Barry, Bentley, an 82-year-old father-of-two, passed away due to Covid.

His wife, Pat Bentley, said: “He was a genuinely kind person who would do anything for anybody.”

The Mail: REPORTER: Former journalist Dennis Aris, pictured 2004REPORTER: Former journalist Dennis Aris, pictured 2004

Dennis Aris, a former reporter for The Mail, passed away aged 76 after more than two weeks battling coronavirus.

He was diagnosed after being admitted to Furness General Hospital. Despite showing initial signs of recovery, he died from the illness.

His wife Jean said: "I was so privileged to have in my life for as long as I did.

"He was such a big-hearted man and gave us all so much."

Reflecting on such a tough year, MP Simon Fell praised the community for its strength during these difficult times.

He said: “This has been such an incredibly hard year for so many people across Furness. From losing loved ones and friends, to losing touch with those closest to us due to the restrictions that this virus has brought about, I doubt many people have gone untouched by Coronavirus in one way or another.

"I’d like to thank the community for pulling together and offering assistance to those who needed it this year. We look forward to brighter days in 2021.”