TOUCHING tributes have poured in for a kind-hearted doctor who, according to his family, has died of Covid-19.

Fayez Khalid Ayache, 77, who previously worked at Constable Country Rural Medical Practice, in East Bergholt, died “from a short but courageous battle with Covid-19” on Wednesday.

The family said Dr Ayache was admitted to Ipswich Hospital last week and his tests came back positive for coronavirus on Saturday.

His daughters, Sarah and Layla Ayache, as well as Sarah’s wife, Katie, and his granddaughter Paisley said they are devastated by the shocking news.

Family members have described him as “the epitome of kindness and diligent in both his work and towards his family”.

Layla, his oldest daughter, described the Syrian doctor as a “generous and honourable man”.

She said: “He was a dedicated doctor and father.

“We are truly devastated and will miss him dearly, he was a true foundation in our lives.

“He was a very peaceful man and he will be greatly missed, not just by us, but by the whole community.

“He was the kindest person I’ve ever known with the most generous personality, always willing to serve with the utmost sincerity.”

Dr Ayache worked for the NHS and private sector for more than 40 years.

“He did a lot of charity work for the Syrian refugees settling in the UK and he took part in a lot of fundraising events,” Layla said.

“As far as the family is concerned, we are so grateful for all the messages and kindness we received from right across the world.

“But the best thing people can do, and what my father would have wanted is that people stay home, stay safe and be kind to one another.”

Dr Ayache, who was born in Damascus, left Syria in 1973 to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor.

His first and long standing medical post was with the Constable Country Rural Medical Practice in East Bergholt, which “was such a big part of his life and the life of the family”.

He worked for the Ipswich Hospital and his latest post was as a part-time GP at the North Clacton Medical Group.

The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust was unable to comment yet.