Coronavirus: Isolated Alan spends birthday home alone after Tenerife holiday from hell lockdown

Alan Cunliffe had been hoping that Monday this week would be his first day of freedom in more than a fortnight, having first been confined to his Canary Islands hotel by a Saharan sandstorm then a lockdown when an ex-guest tested positive for coronavirus; and once back home in Whelley he was told he would have to be quarantined there as well.

But before the hoped-for date had arrived he received an email from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office saying that his self-isolation would have to be extended.

When the former builder was put on a plane back to Britain last Monday week, 30 of his fellow UK holidaymakers at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace had to be left behind because their test results hadn’t come back in time for the flight.

The email informed the pensioner that, regrettably, one of these tourists had tested positive and so it was necessary that he keep away from everyone for another six days.

Now 83, Mr Cunliffe admits that the ordeal is beginning to take his toll, especially in his attempts to come to terms with the death of his wife Mildred late last year after 63 years of marriage.

Family have been delivering groceries to his door and he did receive several cards - and a doorstep surprise - on his birthday, but he is finding it all increasingly tough, both physically and mentally.

Mr Cunliffe said: “I had really hoped this would be over with now but it just seems to be going on forever. At least the weather was nice in Tenerife. Here the temperature is much colder and I look out of the windows at those grey skies.

“I walk down my drive to my garage and back and that has been as much as I have managed outside so far, although I might try a bit of gardening if the weather picks up.

“I have certainly got through a lot of cleaning to fill the time. There is only so much music you can listen to and DVDs to watch. I do my exercises but I want to get out and about. I need fresh air.

“One job I tried was to sort Mildred’s clothes out. But after five minutes of going through her wardrobe I broke down. I moved on to other chores and have two big bags of stuff sorted.”

Mr Cunliffe said that he couldn’t ask for better neighbours and Mildred’s sister had been a godsend taking his grocery order, ringing to let him know that she was coming down with it and then leaving it on his doorstep before beating a hasty retreat.

His birthday was a low key affair. “I got a few cards and one surprise when there was a ring at the door. I opened it and there was nobody there but sitting on the step was a balloon, a box of chocolates and a note saying ‘happy birthday’ which was nice.

“But this is tough. I’m 83 now but after all this I feel more like 99.

“After Mildred died I got a letter from Wigan and Leigh Hospice asking me if I wanted any help with coping with my bereavement. I did not think much about it at the time but maybe I will take up the offer after all.”

Mr Cunliffe had gone on his own to Tenerife as means of relief after losing his wife, whom he had nursed as she battled Parkinson’s disease.

But after several enjoyable days the break turned sour, first with the sandstorm and then the virus alert which first had him confined tohis hotel room for three days before the rules were relaxed a little so he could again mix with fellow holidaymakers, albeit while wearing masks and gloves.

A swab test of the eve of his departure home was negative and he says he still isn’t exhibiting any coronavirus symptoms.