Covid victim’s family make desperate plea for vaccination

The family of a Melbourne dad who died after contracting Covid have revealed the gut-wrenching moment they said goodbye over FaceTime.

The family of a Melbourne dad who died of COVID-19 on Monday has urged the community to get vaccinated.

Martin ‘Marty’ Blight, 46, died in hospital after contracting the virus at his workplace, Serco call centre in Mill Park.

Mr Blight, a keen fisherman and loving father, was not vaccinated.

His last social media post dated Thursday September 9 read: “Covid sux guys look after yourselves plz do what ever you can to self distance that's one thing I would say that works.....”

Mr Blight was a keen fisherman and loving father.

The Australian Services Union released a statement on behalf of Mr Blight’s family encouraging Victorians to get vaccinated.

“Marty became unwell with coronavirus after his workplace was identified as a Tier 1 site and he was subsequently identified as a close contact,” the statement read.

“We know Marty’s death will be very hard for many of his family, friends, and colleagues to process.

“The Union has been speaking with Marty’s family directly and both the ASU and Marty’s family would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that no one else has to go through the trauma of losing someone to COVID-19.

“Our sympathy and our solidarity is with Marty’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Blight’s death is not yet included in the state death tally.

The mother of Mr Blight’s 12-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, took to Facebook on Tuesday to thank everyone for their condolences.

“Having to sit with my 12-year-old son while he FaceTimed his dad ‘goodbye’ was the most gut wrenching thing I’ve ever experienced,” she wrote.

The mother said she was separated from Mr Blight but shared they have “coparented mostly very amicably”.

“This is more about our boy than me,” she said.

“Our boy is on the autism spectrum and suffers awful anxiety. He has some big decisions to make for a 12-year-old.”

She also shared that Mr Blight’s sister lives in Queensland.

“It’s just all too hard for her to get here for her brother’s funeral.

“Just an awful situation all around.”

A friend commented “biggest hugs for you and (your son)”.

“I know what it’s like to FaceTime goodbye to a loved one because of Covid. It’s the most heartbreaking call you could have,” they said.

“Love and light to you both.”

Labor MP Jill Hennesy described Mr Blight’s death as “terribly sad”.

“Condolences to Marty’s family, friends & his work colleagues. Please get vaccinated ASAP,” she wrote on Twitter.