A newsagent from Dartford in Kent is believed to be one of the first retailers in the UK to die from Covid-19.
Krishnasamy Chiyamalan of Templeton News, who was in his 40s, passed away at his home on 4 April. As well as his wife Gopika, he is survived by two children.
Krishnasamy had been a member of the NFRN’s North West Kent branch and South East district since last summer.
NFRN National President Stuart Reddish said: “It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our North Kent members and our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife and family at this time.”
Reddish also paid tribute to all independent retailers for their positive response during the pandemic. He said that alongside their newspaper deliveries, many members were delivering essential goods to elderly and vulnerable customers and to people who were self-isolating or frightened to go out.
He added: “Independent stores are at the heart of their communities and NFRN members, their family members and their staff are going above and beyond to provide their customers with the essentials that they need, whether this is from their shops or by offering delivery services to the elderly, vulnerable and housebound.
“In these most challenging of times, NFRN members are going above and beyond so they can continue to provide their communities and customers with a vital lifeline, and I am tremendously proud of them.”
