Philip Grice contracted Hepatitus E from an unknown source

Philip Grice, 75, of Sir William’s Close, Aylsham, was diagnosed with Hepatitis E after being referred to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) on December 11 last year. 

He remained at the hospital until his death three weeks later. 

At the time, Mr Grice had jaundice and complained of tiredness and pain in his stomach. 

Despite treatment, he died on December 28. 

A statement given to Norfolk Coroner’s Court by his son was read out in court on January 9 at the inquest into Mr Grice’s death. 

It said: “Our father lived with his wife and maintained an active lifestyle 

“He still worked a couple of days as and when he was needed to help out at a local caravan storage place where he cleaned caravans, did a bit of grass cutting and any other odd jobs as required. 

“He would also do gardening work for people to give himself something to do and a couple of days each week he would go to the Gunn Club [at Carrow Road] with his friends. 

“He would walk quite regularly and still drove.” 

Mr Grice, who became ill towards the end of November 2023, had no idea how he contracted the virus. 

Hepatitis E is found all over the world. The British Liver Trust describes it as the most common type of short term (acute) hepatitis in the UK.    

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

The statement to the court added: “Philip’s family advised that he always wore gloves when working, he had not travelled abroad, never ate or handled raw or partially cooked meat.  

“Philip’s family are also not aware of him working anywhere near to water which may have been contaminated by pigs.” 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake gave the medical cause of death as acute Hepatitis E and concluded that he died “of natural causes although the source of the infection is unknown.” 

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