Tube driver from Bedfordshire dies after catching Covid

His colleagues set up GoFundMe page to honour his legacy
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A Flitwick train driver with the London Underground has died after contracting Covid.

And his colleagues at Transport for London (TfL) have set up a GoFundMe page to honour his legacy and the charities he supported.

Allen Crain, 56, was diagnosed with Covid at the beginning of last month and was admitted to Bedford Hospital a few days later due to problems with breathing.

Allen CrainAllen Crain
Allen Crain

His condition continued to deteriorate until sedation and intubation were required. Despite all the hard work and dedication, hospital staff were unable to save him and he died on January 30.

His brother, John Crain, said: "My brother was a train driver on the London Underground, with TfL, and as such I believe classified as an essential worker. He told me early in the pandemic, 'the hospital staff have to be able to get to work.'

"The GoFundMe was started by his work with the idea of donating all proceeds to a charity of the family's choice.

"We need to make the choice of the exact charity but Allen supported causes tackling Alzheimer's disease having seen it's affects up close with family members so the money will go to Alzheimer's in some form. We are still in shock."

John had nothing but praise for his brother, who he described as having a big heart.

He added: "This was heart-wrenching for the family. From a life loving, happy go-lucky individual to losing him in under a month."

Allen, who leaves behind a daughter, son and four grandchildren, had a passion for American music of the 50s.

He even had a small record label, re-releasing rarer music from that period, making it available again to people who shared his passion.

Nick Dent, director of line operations for London Underground, said: “Allen’s death is a tragedy and our thoughts are with his family and his friends, as well as his colleagues on the Northern line.

"Allen was a much-loved and popular member of the team, as the success of the fundraising efforts in his name shows, and had been serving Londoners on the Underground since 2008.

"He was a huge fan of rockabilly music and was affectionately known as Elvis by many of his colleagues. He will be greatly missed.”

To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit here.

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