A devastated family have paid tribute to a father from Folkestone who "devoted his life to helping others".

Norman Harknett died after just two weeks in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 aged 70.

London-born Mr Harknett was a seasoned social worker who was well known in his profession and in the community.

His family described him as "a great man, and the best father you could have ever asked for".

In a statement they said: "Norman would always look at the positives in any situation or individual and never judged anybody on face value.

"He was a family orientated individual who enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids whom he would go to the end of the earth for."

A seasoned traveller, the father-of-three had friends from all over the world including South Africa, and Australia, where he worked for seven years.

Having moved to Kent from Willesden in 2001, he worked in various social work positions before being offered a position in Melbourne.

His wife Lynda said: "I remember one night Norman did not get home until 10pm as he drove through the Australian countryside to place a vulnerable baby with a new foster family.

"That's just one of many example that shows the kind of man he was, and his dedication and love of his profession."

After relocating back to Folkestone in 2017, Mr Harknett worked with a social work agency under Kent Social Services.

Lynda added: "He worked with his team for the last three years, making some great friendships at the same time.

'He devoted his life to helping others and making a difference in the world...'

"His team were devastated to hear the news of his passing and have all reached out with touching messages regarding the impact he had on their lives.

"Having been in the social work profession for 40 years, he devoted his life to helping others and making a difference in the world."

As a frontline worker, Mr Harknett's family said that he did not let the dangers of coronavirus stop him from helping others.

They said: "Norman was aware of the additional challenges that the lockdown presented by the pandemic, however that would not stop him adhering to the duty of care.

"He embarked on visits to his clients to provide support and care putting the needs of the families before his own."

'As a family we loved dad immensely and the hardest thing was being unable to be physically by his side...'

Tragically, however, he contracted the virus and was soon rushed to hospital, being placed into an induced coma just two days later.

His son Nicholas added : "As a family we loved dad immensely and the hardest thing was being unable to be physically by his side during the time he was ill.

"Due to him contracting coronavirus we were unable to give him a hug before he went into the ambulance, we were not able to see him and within two days he was put into an induced coma and we could not even speak to him.

"In his last day we were able to go onto the Covid ward having signed a waiver and been equipped with full PPE and I do not think I will ever forget the pain of not being able to be with him during his two weeks in hospital.

“My Dad has always been there for me and I have never felt pain like what I am feeling after losing him".

The family are now running a fundraiser to try and pay for Mr Harknett's funeral.

Nicholas said: "Since returning from Australia we have been living in rented accommodation and in true style to my dad, he did not consider the future as he lived for the moment therefore, he did not organise any life insurance or will.

"This has presented a challenge on top of a very distressing period in our lives.

"My dad was a great man who put others before himself and I would not only like to give him the send-off he deserves but also remember his memory and support the family that he left behind."

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

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