Bill Dartnall, 90, refuses to wear oxygen mask after learning his wife Mary has died

Bill Dartnall, 90, refused to wear his oxygen mask after being told about the death of his wife Mary, 81, who had also tested positive for coronavirus.

The couple, who had been together since the 1950s, passed away on the same day.

Mr Dartnall worked as a chimney sweep in the city for more than 40 years and along with his wife was also a well-known beekeeper.

After falling ill Mrs Dartnall became unresponsive and was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where she tested positive for Covid-19.

A few days later her husband suffered a stroke and was admitted to the same hospital, where he too was found to have the virus.

The couple, who lived in Millbrook, were both treated for what is known as Covid-19 pneumonia.

After appearing to improve Mrs Dartnall took a turn for the worse and died a few days after she was admitted. Her husband refused further oxygen and slipped away five hours later.

It was a devastating double tragedy for the couple’s two daughters, Rosemary and Ann.

Rosemary said: “When he was told that Mum had passed away he tried to pull the mask off his face and made it clear he didn’t want any more oxygen.

“Dad refused to wear the mask - we don’t know why exactly but he didn’t want to carry on.

“He continued to be cared for and passed away peacefully in his sleep a few hours later.

“Dad probably wouldn’t have wanted to live without Mum. They were very much a pair and it’s hard to imagine either of them without the other."

According to NHS England patients have the right to decline treatment.

Its website says: "If you refuse a treatment, your decision must be respected, even if is thought that refusing treatment would result in your death."