The husband of a first responder volunteer in Lincolnshire who died of COVID-19 has described her as his “soulmate” in a heartfelt tribute.
Jannine Tempest, a volunteer for Lincolnshire-based first responder charity LIVES, passed away at the age of 40 on Monday after contracting COVID-19.
She was born in Sheffield and joined the RAF in April 1997, where she met the love of her life Phil, now 49, at RAF Benson.
The pair instantly fell in love, with both immediately realising they had found their soulmate, and were engaged just months after meeting for the first time.
They got married in August 1999, going on to have two sons, first George in May 2001 and then Joseph in January 2003.
George was born with multiple conditions, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism, causing Janine to leave her job in order to care for her son.
Jannine never stopped fighting the corner of her son George, now 19.
Phil continued to work for the RAF, and after being posted to Fylingdales in 2005, followed by Wittering in 2009, the family finally settled in North Hykeham in 2014, after a move to RAF Waddington.
It was here in 2015 where Jannine dedicated her life to volunteering for LIVES, something which Phil told The Lincolnite was incredibly rewarding for his wife.
Phil said: “She began volunteering with LIVES in 2015, and she absolutely loved doing this.
“She met many good friends, and took great joy in being able to help others, and use her own experiences to help and guide others.
“She would often return home following a day volunteering, and talk excitedly of her day, and how she really felt good, being able to make a difference.”
The family’s life was never plain sailing, as they fought year upon year to get the appropriate care and support for their disabled son George.
Jannine Tempest was the area coordinator for LIVES in Hykeham, having volunteered at the charity for five years.
It prompted Jannine to not just become involved with LIVES, where she operated as the coordinator for Hykeham area right up until her death, but also to work for CAMHS, an NHS service dedicated to the mental health support of young people.
They did get to share magical moments along the way, however, taking a memorable family trip to Disneyland Paris in 2017 thanks to the RAF Disabled Holiday Trust.
Jannine with her family during their holiday in France.
The family, along with Kat Mayer, the ward sister, then had ‘George’s Garden’ built next to Navenby ward at Lincoln County Hospital, an outdoor space for the benefit of parents, patients and staff.
Things were going great for the family, but the whole household contracted coronavirus in January 2021, which saw George admitted to hospital again.
Jannine stayed by her son’s side at all times in hospital, caring for him despite also having the virus herself.
George recovered, but Jannine’s situation worsened, and she herself was admitted to hospital on January 19, where she stayed until her tragic death on February 8.
“She loved her family with all of her heart, and was loved with all of our hearts in return.”
Phil said of his wife’s passing: “She fought so hard to try and beat this awful virus before sadly passing away, leaving behind a devastated and heartbroken husband, sons, mother, family and friends.
“Jannine excelled in everything she did, as she was so humble, and I often wished that she could see herself through my eyes and the eyes of others, as she truly was the most loving, caring, selfless and amazing woman imaginable.
“She loved her family with all of her heart, and was loved with all of our hearts in return. Her loss is unbearable, it has devastated our family, and has left such a huge hole in our hearts.”
“Jannine was always so loving, a dedicated mother and carer.”
Phil also wanted to thank everyone who has reached out in support since the news of Jannine’s passing broke.
He continued: “As a family, we have been unbelievably humbled (but not surprised) by all the amazing messages of love for Jannine that we have received and would like to thank you all for your kind messages.”
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In a last-minute u-turn on December 2, RMT Union suspended planned strikes, however train providers said cancelled services could not be resumed at such short notice.
The rail company told ticket holders on the morning of Saturday, December 4 (traditionally the busiest day of the market) that replacement bus services between Peterborough and Lincoln have been suspended.
They blamed the unavailability of busses.
#EMRUpdate Regrettably we have had to suspend our rail replacement bus service between Peterborough/Spalding/Sleaford/Ruskington/Metheringham and Lincoln today because of no bus availability. More information can be found on our website here: https://t.co/zBzjMjm2ccpic.twitter.com/e4jbln0sm9
Those with tickets have been told they will be entitled to a full refund.
A statement on the East Midlands Railway website reads:
“We have regrettably had to suspend our rail replacement bus service between Peterborough and Lincoln today because of no availability of buses to operate. We are regularly contacting bus operators and if we are able to obtain rail replacement we will up date our website.”
The RMT union, which suspended strikes to work on new proposals for East Midlands Railway, warned that action could be taken later this month if disputes over safety, pay and conditions are not resolved.
For those looking for a unique addition to their Christmas Market experience, look no further than the city’s Medieval fair!
Run by a cooperative of artisans and makers from the Travelling Historial Market, the event is a treasure trove of traditional gifts and unique objects to display proudly in your home.
Visitors can expect a bigger and better display this year, with sellers spread across two venues, St Mary le Wigford Church and St Mary’s Guildhall until Sunday, December 5.
Enter if you dare! Inside you will find stallholders in traditional Medieval dress | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The market is spread across historical Lincoln Venues, including the city\s oldest church and a genuine Medieval Guildhall. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Conversation pieces for your home! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It’s open 10am until 9pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
Traders will include a leatherworker, a top bowyer (bows and arrows), cheeses, dried meats/jerky, spiced punch, the Stagger Inn bar, jewellery, an artist, a potter, mead, reenactments and historical clothing.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Medieval section of the Lincoln Christmas Market was forced to move from its former Bishops’ Palace location due to ongoing restoration works.
Following this, traders formed a cooperative to run the Medieval Market themselves.
Plans have been submitted to merge two GP practices in the centre of Lincoln.
If approved, Newark Road Surgery and Portland Medical Practice would merge together to provide care for the 29,000 patients registered at both practices.
Newark Road has over 7,000 patients registered at the surgery, while Portland has around 22,000 registered across three sites (Portland Street, Newland Health Centre and the University of Lincoln Health service).
Patients at both Newark Road Surgery and Portland Medical Practice have until January 15, 2022 to take part in a survey about the merger plans.
Should plans go ahead, they will need to be approved by NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, who are responsible for planning, buying and monitoring local NHS services.
Dr Jane Marshall, GP Partner at Newark Road Surgery said by merging, patients could all benefit from the combined clinical skills and expertise offered across both practices.
Dr Marshall said: “By working together in this way, clinical staff will be able to develop skills in more specialist areas. For patients this means they could be seen by someone who specialises in areas such as palliative care, diabetes, sexual health, mental health, or minor surgery.
“We also plan for improvements in telephone and remote access, aiming for improved accessibility and urgent care provision.”
As part of the exercises, a series of events have been put on for patients to hear more about the plans, as well as asking any questions they may have. Booking is required to attend these free events.
The times, dates and locations for these events are:
Monday, December 13: CCG stand at University of Lincoln in the Minerva Building Atrium, Brayford Pool Campus, 9m-2pm, no booking required
Wednesday, December 15: Ruston Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, 6pm-8pm, book online here or call 07890 047409
Thursday, December 16: Bridge Central, Portland Street, 6pm-8pm, book online or call 07890 047409
Thursday, January 13: Ruston Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, 6pm-8pm, book online here or call 07890 047409
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