Eve Branson, mother of Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has died of coronavirus.
She was 96.
Branson shared the news in a blog post, where he wrote she "held on for one last victory, managing to fight off the virus". However, he wrote, "she expended all of her energy in the process".
"One of my wonderful sisters, Vanessa, and nephew Louis were with her until the end, as were the wonderful nurses who she entertained with tales from her life and much laughter over glasses of whisky.
"Rather than mourn her loss, I want to celebrate her wonderful life, her tremendous spirit, the joy she brought to so many, and the love she gave us all."