The family of a deceased Covid anti-vaccine musician paid ‘one in a million’ tribute to his father in launching a cry for help.
Leek Marcus Birks died last August after choosing not to get the Covid vaccine, believing he couldn’t get sick because he exercised five times a week.
The 40-year-old, who once starred as a contestant on ITV’s Bad Lads’ Army, said he was shocked when he fell ill and regretted being “somewhat ignorant” about vaccines.
In an interview from his hospital bed, he said he had been listening to social media and online conspiracy theories and urging others to get stabbed.
His son, Blu, who was born in December, died in August without meeting Marcus.
Her younger brothers Ashley and Kyle Birks claim that Marcus’ death left a huge void in their lives.
Leek musician and future father Marcus Birks died last August after choosing not to be vaccinated against Covid, believing he couldn’t get sick because he worked out five times a week.
Marcus, who was previously healthy, thought he couldn’t get sick because he was exercising five times a week.
Ashley, 34, of Leek, said: “Marcus was like a light in a bottle. He wanted everything life had to offer and lived in the moment.
“We were very close. We spent most of the days together. He lived for his family and nothing else.
“It appeared out of the blue to lose him, it happened so fast. We were amazed. He and his wife had renewed their marriage vows and at that time many people around us were infected with Covid. i had too
“I talked to him every day when I was sick. Around the eighth day I started to feel better, but he didn’t.
“I told him he had to get up every day. Later that day, he had to leave the ambulance because his oxygen level was too low.
“From there, it got worse while I was in the hospital. The treatments didn’t work. Until I died, I still thought he would get better.
Marcus died before he could meet his son Blu. Pictured: Marcus and his wife of 10 years, Lis
“While Marcus is this healthy, we’re still not sure why this is happening.
“It gets to the point where you can’t stop thinking about it. He wouldn’t want us. “It was really hard and there are different kinds of pain we still go through, but we try to keep it positive, especially for his son and wife.”
Kyle, 25, who lives in Market Place in Leek, said Marcus was both a father figure and a brother to him. He said: ‘Marcus was my best friend and a role model. I admired him, he was the head of the family.
“He was one in a million. He was realistic, funny – funny – but also the most sensitive person. Family was everything to him.
“Since he’s gone, it’s like a big void in my life. We’re all still struggling, but it’s brought us closer.
“His son Blue is his spitting image. Having him is like a part of Marcus staying here.
Pictured: Leek’s brothers Ashley Birks (left) and Kyle Birks (right) hold a 10km fundraiser in memory of their brother Marcus, who they say has mental health issues.
“Marcus was so excited to be a father. She had achieved everything she wanted most in life. It’s really sad that he couldn’t meet with his son,” he said.
One of six siblings, former Leek High School student Marcus was a musician who successfully performed with his wife, Lis. He has also appeared in several TV shows.
A pop duo performed as husband and wife The Chameleonz, and once sang in front of 30,000 customers at a mall Christmas lighting event.
Marcus once signed a contract with Most Wanted and also appeared on TV Bad Lads’ Army and Popstars: The Rivals.
Ashley and Kyle join a group of Marcus’ friends to participate in Born Survivor, a 10km assault course, on May 7. The group of about 15 participants will raise money for the mental health charity Mind in memory of Marcus.
Ashley says, “We want to make sure it’s remembered and do something positive. As a teenager, Marcus suffered from mental health and anxiety, and over the years he’s learned to fight it and maintain a positive attitude.
“She’s been a mental health advocate throughout her own journey, so Mind is a viable charity for us to raise money for.”
You can donate by going to the group’s JustGiving page here. https://www.justiving.com/fundraising/David-Owen44
Source: Daily Mail
I am Anne Johnson and I work as an author at the Fashion Vibes. My main area of expertise is beauty related news, but I also have experience in covering other types of stories like entertainment, lifestyle, and health topics. With my years of experience in writing for various publications, I have built strong relationships with many industry insiders. My passion for journalism has enabled me to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the world of beauty.
