How coronavirus came to Bolton and how many people have now died

All that was known then was that the traveller was probably associated with three other cases, involving people from Bury, which had been revealed a short time earlier.

This was at a time when there were only 50 or so known cases across the United Kingdom and few could perhaps foresee the magnitude of what was to come.

ENEMY: An early 3D rendering of the Covid-19 bug

One year on and the death toll for cases at the Royal Bolton Hospital alone stands at 637.

Before the summer was out, Bolton has also fought to prevent what was then referred to as a ‘local lockdown’, only for Greater Manchester and neighbouring Lancashire to later fall foul of the controversial tiers system.

Family and friends were rocked by the high-profile deaths of healthcare assistant Lourdes Campbell, respected GP Dr Krishna Korlipara and Manu Mistry, chief executive of Bolton Hindu Forum. This story however would be repeated many times over for hundreds of other affected families across the borough and beyond.

EARLY DAYS: Every precaution was being taken in the first weeks of the pandemic

Despite a level of upheaval, for our working and social lives, not seen perhaps since the end of the Second World War, there have been frequent glimmers of hope.

The Bolton Family has roared into action to ensure those most in need can still gain access to square meals and emotional support.

And in a few short weeks, after Ann and Michael Clubley became the first to vaccinated, at Tonge Moore Health Centre, an unprecedented NHS operation has seen more than 100,000 join them in getting at least one jab.

CHECKS: Mass testing came to Bolton

In today's edition of The Bolton Today our reporters look back on a tumultuous year - one where the resilience and selflessness of Boltonians has shone through - in a month-by-month recap.

In a 16-page special, we look back at a year that has changed our lives forever.

You can pick up a copy at your local newsagents or supermarket. To sign up for home delivery visit www.theboltonnews.co.uk/home-delivery or call 0800 953 0227.

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