Doris Hobday, one of UK's oldest identical twins, dies aged 96 of coronavirus

Doris Hobday, one of Britain’s oldest identical twins, has died after contracting coronavirus.

The 96-year-old passed away on 5 January after Ms Hobday and her twin sister Lilian Cox, known as the Tipton Twins, were admitted to hospital after testing positive earlier this month.

Her family said Ms Hobday will be buried alongside her husband who she lost 11 years ago after 65 years of marriage.

Ms Hobday’s twin sister Ms Cox has since been discharged from hospital and is continuing to recover. Mrs Cox had only been told of her sister's death on Monday, once she was strong enough to take the news.

Ms Cox is being comforted by family and staying with her daughter Vivien while she fully regains her strength.

'If you are offered the vaccine please take it, do not refuse it'

In a family statement, posted on Instagram, it says: “We apologise for not updating you all but we’ve experienced a terrible few weeks...shortly after our last post Doris and Lils health deteriorated very quickly.

“We are devastated to announce that Doris didn’t make it...she passed away on Tuesday 5th January after a short stay in hospital. She was still running fast but unfortunately had some hurdles put in her way and she wasn’t strong enough to fight COVID.

"Both were determined to live until 100, they had so much to live for... "It's just so cruel that COVID has stopped Doris like this. Our thoughts go out to all the families who have experienced a loss through COVID and we urge people to take this seriously.

"Doris was only a few weeks away from being safe! With her vaccine letter arriving two days after her death.

"If you are offered the vaccine please take it, do not refuse it. Doris didn't get this choice.

"Doris will be laid to rest with her husband who she lost 11 years ago after 65 years of happy marriage."

The two sisters were brought up in Tipton and lived in the same street, only a few doors apart from each other after marrying their partners.

Doris, who was married for 65 years, did not have children, while Lilian has five children, 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

The Tipton twins became popular figures online and on national TV with their positive outlook on life and sense of humour.

Appearing on GMB in 2020, Piers Morgan asked the twins, "What is the secret of living so long and so well?" with Mrs Cox pointing to her sister and saying, "Her secret... plenty of sex."

On 4 January, the twins took to social media to tell their 20,000 followers that they had both tested positive for coronavirus.

Tributes have been paid from celebrities after hearing the sad news.

Taking to Twitter, Dan Walker from BBC Breakfast said: ‘Sad to hear the news about the death of Doris Hobday. She & identical twin, Lil, were brilliant guests on BBC Breakfast last year - so full of life at 96.’

While Piers Morgan from GMB said: ‘RIP Doris Hobday, 96. One of Britain’s two oldest twins & a delightful lady. She died from coronavirus. Her sister Lil got COVID too but survived and is now home from hospital. My deepest condolences to her on the loss of her beloved sister.’

A crowdfunding page has been set up in Ms Hobday's memory, with funds raised being donated to The Beacon Centre for the Blind, which supported her late husband Raymond for 20 years.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dorishobday