Heartbroken Lilian Cox has paid a touching tribute to her twin sister who lost her battle with coronavirus - as a fundraiser set up in memory hit its £2,500 target.
Lilian and her sibling Doris Hobday - dubbed the Tipton Twins - shot to fame following hilarious appearances on Good Morning Britain and This Morning.
The cheeky pair, who were believed to be the oldest in the UK at 96, were 'shocked' to discover they'd contracted Covid-19 shortly after Christmas as they'd spent most of 2020 inside, 'sticking to all the rules and being careful'.
The twins' health deteriorated very quickly and sadly Doris died on Tuesday, January 5, following a short stay at Sandwell Hospital.
The tragic news of her death was confirmed by relatives on Wednesday - just two days after Lilian was well enough to be discharged from hospital having endured the “fight of her life”.
In the wake of her sister's death Lilian, who is being comforted by her family, set up an online fundraiser to raise £2,500 for Beacon Centre for the Blind, which supported Doris’s late husband Ray.
"I was lucky to spend 96 years with you by my side," Lilian wrote as she donated £100 to the cause.
"I will smile because you have lived.
"Everyday I will miss you... but I will cherish your memory and let it live on.
"Love you Doris, your twin sister Lil."
Donations continue to roll in, with well-wishers digging deep to donate more than £2,600 in the last 24 hours.
A spokesman for the charity said: "We are so deeply honoured and moved that Doris’ sister has chosen to support us and have set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for us.
"Thank you so very much for thinking of us at such a sad time. After such a tough year financially and emotionally for us as a charity, we can’t tell you how much this means to us."
Tributes for Doris continue to pour in, with many referencing the duo's TV appearances.
Darryl Hart said: "I'm sorry for your loss. Such wonderful spirits during your appearance on GMB, you both made my day.
"I hope my donation helps, keep laughing."
Lisa Matthews added: " I gave birth to my twins the day before the Good Morning Britain interview back in May.
"If my twins grow up to be anywhere near as inspirational as Doris and Lil I’ll be so proud."
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They are falling behind in their studies through no fault of their own - because they are unable to access lessons being put on by schools.
BirminghamLive is supporting efforts, through the Digital Education Partnership, to raise funds and laptop donations to support pupils and get them learning again.
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Host Piers Morgan also tweeted a tribute: "RIP Doris Hobday, 96. One of Britain’s two oldest twins and 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."
Doris will be buried next to her husband, who she lost 11 years ago, during a funeral that will be held next month.
