A number of NHS and private healthcare staff, from heart surgeons to nurses, porters and volunteers, have lost their lives to the coronavirus in the UK.
The government says there have been 27 verified deaths of NHS staff from Covid-19 during the pandemic, but others have also died. The Guardian has recorded 88 deaths that have been reported in the news, but the true figure is likely to be higher because not all deaths will be in the public domain.
Many family members of those who have died have complained that health professionals are not being given adequate protective equipment as they deal with coronavirus cases.
If you would like to share any further names and stories with us, or feel there are people we have missed, then please drop an email to sarah.marsh@theguardian.com. We hope to document and pay tribute to those who die working on the frontline of the pandemic.
We will be adding to the cases in a database and hope to examine these deaths further.
Chrissie Emerson
Occupation: Healthcare assistant
Place of work: The Queen Elizabeth hospital, King’s Lynn
Date of death: Unknown
Emerson was described as a “much-loved wife to Michael and cherished mother and grandmother” in a joint statement released by Caroline Shaw and Prof Steve Barnett, the hospital’s chief executive and chairman respectively.
They added: “Everyone at QEH is today coming to terms with the devastating news that one of our own healthcare assistants has died after testing positive for Covid-19. The whole family at QEH is deeply saddened at losing Chrissie Emerson who was such a valued colleague.
“We have been in touch with Chrissie’s family to extend our condolences on behalf of everyone at QEH and to offer appropriate support. We have informed our staff about this upsetting news and offered support to those who knew and worked closely with Chrissie.
“We have a range of support and counselling services available to our staff to support them during this incredibly difficult time during which we continue to focus on delivering safe care to our patients and maximising support for our staff who are working in conditions that are difficult and challenging for everyone.”
Patrick McManus, 60
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: County hospital, Stafford
Date of death: Unknown
McManus was originally from Ireland and had worked in Stafford for about 10 years, previously working at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary in Stoke.
Tracy Bullock, the chief executive of University hospitals North Midlands NHS trust, which runs County hospital, said he was a “loveable character who brought kindness and compassion to all his patients”.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of staff has passed away due to Covid-19,” she wrote in a statement.
“Patrick McManus was an extremely well-liked and valued member of the nursing team at County hospital, Stafford. He had been a nurse for more than 40 years and had worked at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary prior to working in Stafford, where he had been for about 10 years.
“He was a loveable character and brought kindness and compassion to all his patients which was acknowledged by the number of compliments and thank you messages he received.”
Margaret Tapley, 84
Occupation: Auxiliary nurse
Place of work: Royal Stoke University hospital
Date of death: 19 April 2020
Tapley had continued to work as a healthcare assistant at Witney community hospital in Oxfordshire. Her granddaughter Hannah Tapley paid tribute to her on Facebook, calling her the “most hardworking, caring and perfect woman out there”.
Oxford Health NHS foundation trust said Tapley died in hospital in Swindon. The trust said she had worked her last shift on 10 April, adding: “Despite her advancing years, Margaret was determined to carry on caring and being part of her hospital family.”
Alice Sarupinda
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Walsall area
Date of death: Unknown
Sarupinda, originally from Zimbabwe, was a nurse in Walsall, West Midlands. Her fellow members of the United Methodist church took to social media on Friday to express their condolences following her death.
Vivek Sharma
Occupation: Occupational therapist
Place of work: Medway community healthcare
Date of death: 17 April 2020
Sharma had been working for Medway community healthcare when he tested positive for Covid-19. James Devine, the chief executive of Medway foundation trust, which runs Medway Maritime hospital, where Sharma also used to work, announced the death.
In a message to staff he said: “I am sad to announce that Vivek Sharma, a former Medway staff member, died yesterday after testing positive for Covid-19.
Sophie Fagan, 78
Occupation: Support worker
Place of work: Homerton university hospital, Hackney
Date of death: 19 April 2020
Fagan arrived from India in 1961 aged 16 to begin her nurse training. She was not on the frontline fighting coronavirus but still worked at Homerton liaising with people in her role supporting carers. She had worked in healthcare in Hackney for more than 50 years.
Homerton university hospital NHS foundation trust said Fagan was “part of the healthcare fabric in Hackney”.
Ade Dickson
Occupation: Mental health nurse
Place of work: Barnet, Enfield and Haringey mental health trust
Date of death: Unknown
Dickson died due to coronavirus, with the trust saying he was “highly respected. A spokesperson from Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust said: “We are very sad to confirm the loss of our colleague and friend Ade Dickson.”
They added: “Ade previously worked for our early intervention service in Haringey as a care co-coordinator. He later left the Trust but worked for us in a number of roles through an agency. Most recently, Ade had been working in the Barnet Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team.
“Ade was a highly respected colleague who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, Trust staff and patients. We ask that you please respect their privacy at this difficult time.”
Linda Clarke, 66
Occupation: Midwife
Place of work: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Date of death: 17 April 2020
Linda Clarke worked as a delivery suite coordinator at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. She had worked in the maternity service for 30 years, with trust chiefs saying she had “brought many new lives into the borough”.
In a statement, Silas Nicholls, chief executive at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS trust, said: “We can sadly confirm that a member of our staff, Linda Clarke, tragically passed away on April 17. Linda was 66 and worked in our maternity service for 30 years, bringing many new lives into our borough and caring for expectant mums in our community.”
Ruben Muñoz Jr
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: East Surrey hospital
Date of death: 17 April 2020
Ruben Muñoz Jr had worked for the NHS since 2010 and selflessly helped to look after patients with Covid-19.
A crowdfunder page set up for his family reads: “Not all of you might know him, but he was a very kind, funny and hardworking person. Patients always liked him. He was a good son, a good husband to his wife, and a good father for his two children.
“My fellow colleagues and I from Woodland ward decided to put up a fundraiser to assist his grieving family. We want to give back for the service and time he gave to the NHS.”
Simon Guest
Occupation: Radiographer
Place of work: Furness general hospital
Date of death: Unknown
Simon Guest died after being treated for the virus at the hospital’s intensive care unit. The chief executive of the trust which runs Furness general hospital said Guest would be “truly missed”.
Aaron Cummins, of the Morecambe Bay hospitals trust, said: “I know how respected Simon was, and how truly missed he will be. We are all devastated by the news, and determined to support Simon’s family and friends and ensure his memory will live on.”
Brian Mfula
Occupation: Lecturer in mental health nursing
Place of work: Swansea University
Date of death: 17 April 2020
Brian Mfula worked for Swansea University and was described by students as an “inspiring teacher”. Prof Ceri Phillips, head of the college of human and health sciences at Swansea, said the college had “been inundated with messages of condolence, all of which pay warm and heartfelt tribute to a dear friend and colleague”.
He added: “Students have described Brian as an inspiring teacher and role model who taught from the heart, and had a passion for mental health and nursing.
“Colleagues from across the college have made reference to his generous spirit, his warm personality and his highly infectious laugh, all of which made others feel good simply by being in his presence. His colleagues have also described him as a lovely man who will be sorely missed by themselves and his students.
“Brian was also recognised as a dedicated family man, and our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife, Mercy, and children Kato, Nkweto, Thabo and Thandiwe, for their tragic loss.”
Gladys Mujajati, 46
Occupation: Mental health nurse
Place of work: Derbyshire healthcare NHS foundation trust
Date of death: Unknown
Gladys Mujajati, from Littleover in Derbyshire, died in hospital earlier this week, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS trust said.
The 46-year-old had an underlying health condition “and had stepped away from frontline duties in recent weeks”, a spokesman added. Ifti Majid, the trust’s chief executive, said staff were “devastated by her loss”.
Jenelyn Carter, 41
Occupation: Healthcare assistant
Place of work: Morriston hospital
Date of death: unknown
Jenelyn Carter was born in the Philippines and lived in south Wales. She was treated by her own colleagues after being admitted for the virus but died. Swansea Bay University health board announced her death saying she was “well loved” by patients and colleagues.
A spokeswoman said: “We are deeply saddened to report that one of our healthcare assistants who was being treated for Covid-19 has died.
“Jenelyn Carter worked on the admissions ward at Morriston hospital and was well loved by all her colleagues and patients.”
Michael Allieu, 55
Occupation: Staff nurse
Place of work: Homerton University hospital
Date of death: 18 April 2020
Michael Allieu died at Homerton university hospital in Hackney, London, where he had worked as a staff nurse since 2007. The trust’s chief executive, Tracey Fletcher, said: “Michael was a vibrant, larger-than-life character on our acute care unit, and was well known and very well liked throughout the hospital. He will be greatly missed by all his colleagues both in the ACU [acute care unit] and the wider Homerton hospital community. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this sad time.”
Nick Joseph
Occupation: Hospital porter
Place of work: Whittington hospital
Date of death: unknown
Nick Joseph was given the nickname “the general” by colleagues at the Whittington hospital in north London where he had worked for 17 years.
Ate Wilma Banaag
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Watford general hospital
Date of death: unknown
Ate Wilma Banaag came to the UK on 21 January 2001 and had worked in Watford general hospital at Croxley ward since then. She spent her last days working in a Covid-19 ward where she became infected.
A crowdfunder page set up for her reads: “She is a devoted mother of three and a loving wife to Kuya Jun. Everything that is raised in this fund will help with the cost of her cremation service and financial support to her family. We will miss your smile Ate, Rest in Peace.”
Dr Rajesh Kalraiya, 70
Occupation: Consultant paediatrician
Place of work: North East London NHS trust
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Rajesh Kalraiya, a consultant paediatrician, was originally from Nagpur in India. His cousin, Arun Kalraiya, said: “He died at Queens Hospital, Romford, Essex and had worked at hospitals in Isle of Wight, Poole, Cumbria, Essex and the Midlands. He has left his legacy wherever he worked and was acknowledged as an extraordinary doctor. He was highly committed, hardworking, caring and passionate about his job and made a difference to the lives of his patients.”
One of his colleagues Dr Ewa Szynaka, a consultant paediatrician at Isle of Wight hospital, said: “It was a great privilege to have worked with Dr Rajesh Kalraiya I am filled with immense gratitude for his kindness and support to the staff and patients. He was wonderful doctor with a beautiful soul”.
He helped various charity organisations and recently donated a large sum of money to the centre for advance training and research in Cancer (ACTRECT) Khargar, in Mumbai, India. He did so in memory of his brother Dr Rajiv Kalraiya who was a senior research scientist at the Institute.
His cousin said: “He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague and faithful friend. All will dearly miss him.”
Barry England
Occupation: Senior paramedic
Place of work: East of England ambulance service
Date of death: 17 April 2020
Barry England was a leading operations manager in Hemel Hempstead and described by the East of England ambulance service as “a hugely valued friend and colleague”.
A statement from the trust said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Barry’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. The trust is offering its support to Barry’s family and we will not be making any further announcements at this stage.”
A statement issued on behalf of his family said: “Their hearts are broken at this sudden loss,” and that Barry was extremely proud to have worked for the ambulance service for over 33 years.
They thanked all the NHS staff who cared for Barry in hospital and former colleagues for their support.
Jane Murphy, 73
Occupation: Clinical support worker
Place of work: Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Date of death: Unknown
Jane Murphy worked at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for almost 30 years, first as a cleaner before she retrained as a clinical support worker. Tributes from colleagues hailed her as a mentor and lifelong friend.
Murphy had been placed on sick leave when the coronavirus outbreak emerged because of her age. Elaine Sibbald, a friend, said: “Jane would help anybody out, but would tell you if you were wrong. She had the biggest heart, and was always there if I needed her.
“As a friend she loved when you took her shopping. She loved life, being in her PJs sitting at the kitchen table watching TV. She was a star, and a big loss to everyone that met her.”
Andy Stamp, 65
Occupation: IT department
Place of work: Alder Hey children’s hospital
Date of death: 16 April 2020
Stamp was known throughout Liverpool by his DJ stage name, Jaye. He regularly performed at iconic clubs in the city including the Grafton and the Coconut Grove. He also worked in the IT department at Alder Hey children’s hospital and had been travelling to the hospital to keep its computer systems on track during the pandemic.
His close friend Ian “Kay” Roach, also a DJ, told the Liverpool Echo that Stamp was a “great fella who always made you feel like a million dollars”.
He added: “Andy was a larger-than-life character. I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him. If you had a problem, he’d try and help you.”
Gordon Ballard
Occupation: Paramedic
Place of work: London ambulance service
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Gordon Ballard, from east London, a paramedic for 42 years, died of the virus. A London ambulance spokesman said: “He will be greatly missed.”
Krishan Arora, 57
Occupation: GP
Place of work: Violet Lane medical practice
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Krishan Arora worked at the Violet Lane medical practice in Croydon, south London, for 27 years. Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) confirmed he had died after testing positive for Covid-19, adding that he was not at work in the time before he died.
Paying tribute to Arora, Dr Agnelo Fernandes, the GP borough lead for Croydon, said: “We are all greatly saddened by the death of Dr Krishan Arora. Krish was extremely well liked and worked tirelessly to care for his patients and improve services for everyone in Croydon.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Krish’s family, friends and close colleagues at this difficult time. We will miss him.”
Julianne Cadby
Occupation: Business manager
Place of work: Cardiff and Vale University health board
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Cadby was a business manager for Cardiff and Vale University health board’s specialist child and adolescent mental health services. She had worked in the specialist service for more than 16 years, and had been with the health board for 30 years, beginning her career as a medical secretary across a range of departments.
She died just four days after her 84-year-old mother, Joan, passed away from the same virus. She is survived by her seven-year-old son, Evan, who is being looked after by other family members while his father, Chris, 43, is in hospital with Covid-19. A crowdfunder has been set up for Evan.
A statement from the health board said: “It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Julianne Cadby has passed away after testing positive for Covid-19.
“Julianne was a much-loved member of our team. She was extremely warm and caring and would always make time to help and support her colleagues.”
Brian Darlington
Occupation: Hospital porter
Place of work: Mid Cheshire hospitals
Date of death: Unknown
Brian Darlington was known for handing out sweets to his colleagues as a porter with Mid Cheshire hospitals, where he worked for over 20 years. He died at Leighton hospital after contracting Covid-19, a spokesman for the hospital trust said.
His wife, Ava, said: “We were married for 46 years and Brian was a great husband, as well as father and grandfather.” The trust’s chief executive, James Sumner, said: “Brian had dedicated over 20 years to the trust during his NHS career and will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
“He was without doubt a treasured member of the team at Mid Cheshire.”
Amrik Bamotra, 63
Occupation: Radiology support worker
Place of work: King George hospital in Goodmayes
Date of death: 10 April 2020
Amrik Bamotra had been a radiology support worker at the King George hospital for the past four years and was a porter there before that. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.
Tony Chambers, the chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge university hospitals trust, said: “Amrik was well-liked among his colleagues, who have shared how friendly, chatty and kind-hearted he was, and that he was caring and compassionate to all patients. They said he treated everyone like his own family.”
Lourdes Campbell
Occupation: Healthcare assistant
Place of work: Bolton NHS foundation trust
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Lourdes Campbell was employed by Bolton NHS foundation trust. The chief executive, Fiona Noden, announced her death, saying: “It is with deep regret and huge sadness that I share with you the devastating news that we have lost a friend and colleague to the terrible Covid-19 virus.
“Lourdes Campbell, one of our healthcare assistants, died yesterday on our critical care unit. Lourdes, known as Des to her colleagues, had worked with us for nearly 13 years.”
She added: “She was a well-liked and valued member of the team, known for working extremely hard. She was dedicated to patient care and her colleagues respected her quiet, diligent and compassionate approach.”
Andrew Treble, 57
Occupation: Theatre assistant
Place of work: Wrexham Maelor hospital
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Andrew Treble had worked at the hospital for almost 40 years. His 17-year-old daughter, Emily, said: “He was such a lovely man. I’m proud to call him my father. He’s helped me through so much and he has always been there for me.
“He always cheered me up by watching Laurel and Hardy together. He was so kind, so loving and he will be missed forever.”
Ade Raymond, 48
Occupation: Healthcare assistant and first-year student mental health nurse
Place of work: Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH) mental health trust in London
Date of death: 15 April 2020
Ade Raymond was described by colleagues as a “compassionate” and “inspirational” man who had “always wanted to become a nurse”. The first-year student mental health nurse, studying at Middlesex University in north-west London, also worked part-time as a healthcare assistant.
Jinjer Kandola, the BEH trust chief executive, said Raymond was a “highly respected” team member.
She tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of our colleague & friend Ade Raymond due to coronavirus. A much-valued member of the team who was studying for a nursing degree.”
Linnette Cruz, 51
Occupation: Dental nurse
Place of work: Swansea Bay University Health Board
Date of death: 14 April 2020
Cruz was a senior head nurse at a dental practice in Sketty, a suburban district about two miles from Swansea city centre. She had been admitted to hospital in March after suffering Covid-19 symptoms. She is survived by her husband, Jeonardy, a son, Jeonard, a sister, Rose, and her parents.
Cruz trained in the Philippines before coming to Swansea. The owner of the practice she worked at, Nik Patel, paid tribute to her. She “brought love, light and joy to everyone around her”, he said.
Gaily Catalla
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Kent hospitals
Date of death: unknown
Catalla, who lived in Maidstone, worked in Kent as a nurse. She had moved to the UK from the Philippines. Her friend Mary Arimas said: “She was a fierce frontliner who fought until the very end.”
Steven Pearson, 51
Occupation: Mental health nurse
Place of work: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear trust
Date of death: 13 April
Pearson was a mental health staff nurse working for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS trust in the North of Tyne street triage team.
He had two daughters, Rebecca, 26, and Bethany, 20, and had been at the trust for more than 30 years, working at St George’s hospital in Morpeth, as well as HM Prison Durham, assisting people with their mental health needs.
His wife Anne said: “Steven was overweight but he was healthy and fit. It was so sudden.
“Bethany’s birthday is on 28 May and he will miss her 21st. Before the lockdown we were due to go on holiday to Bali on 15 June for her birthday. She has finished her law degree so it was a celebration.”
Amarante Dias
Occupation: Endoscopy decontamination technician
Place of work: Weston general hospital in north Somerset
Date of death: 13 April 2020
Amarante Dias worked at Weston general hospital. Dr William Oldfield, the medical director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS foundation trust, said: “Amarante will be greatly missed and we are ensuring that staff have access to support to help them at this difficult time. We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the privacy of the family at their request.”
The Weston-super-Mare Association of Malayalees also paid tribute to Dias. In a post on Facebook, it said: “Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family, [Amarante Dias] will be deeply missed.”
Dr Peter Tun, 62
Occupation: Associate specialist in neurorehabilitation
Place of work: Royal Berkshire hospital in Reading
Date of death: 13 April 2020
Dr Peter Tun had been in intensive care at Royal Berkshire hospital, where he worked. Royal Berkshire NHS foundation trust (RBFT) would not confirm if he had tested positive for Covid-19.
His sons said in a statement: “Our family is immensely proud of our superhero Dad. He used to say: ‘Treat all your patients like they are your own family,’ and this speaks to the type of character that he had. To us, he was simply the best human we know and we will miss him every day.”
Josiane Zauma Ebonja Ekoli, 55
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Agency nurse
Date of death: 13 April 2020
Josiane Zauma Ebonja Ekoli had been ill for about a week when she was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary, a hospital where she used to work.
In a tribute, her daughter Naomie told the PA news agency she wanted her mother to be remembered as “God-fearing, strong, beautiful and caring”.
“It meant everything to be a nurse. She’s being doing it for as long as I remember, more than 30 years,” she said.
She added that her mother, who had worked on a coronavirus ward, called the provisions of personal protective equipment (PPE) available “poor”.
“If they don’t work, then we won’t be treated, so the least they could do is up the PPE so they can make sure it doesn’t happen to another family,” she said.
Jill Foster, the chief nurse at Harrogate and District NHS foundation trust, said Ekoli, known as Josie, was a “much-valued” member of staff.
Barbara Sage, 68
Occupation: Palliative care nurse
Place of work: Marie Curie
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Sage spent over 40 years working in palliative care and became the first member of the Marie Curie nursing team to die of the disease. Her daughter, Donna, said: “Mum was kind and caring and fun … She loved life, her family, her grandkids and she loved her job.”
She added: “Mum started out as an ambulance driver in London when she was 18. It was that which made her want to become a nurse.
“She was a very warm person … I suppose she had all the normal attributes of a Marie Curie nurse. I guess you have to be like that in their line of work, don’t you? She was dedicated to caring for people.”
Melujean Ballesteros, 60
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: St Mary’s hospital in Praed Street, London
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Melujean Ballesteros was originally from the Philippines, and died at Royal Brompton hospital in Chelsea. Her son, Rainier, said his mum had a fever and a cough before her condition worsened.
He said: “[My mum] started her career at St Mary’s hospital in 2002; she loved her work as a nurse. She was a dedicated and very caring nurse.”
Rainier added that he convinced her to visit the hospital when her condition worsened. She is survived by Rainier, another son, Bryan, 38, who also lives in the Philippines, and her husband, Luis, 64, who lives in the UK.
A spokesman for Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, which runs St Mary’s hospital, said: “We are very sad to confirm the death of one of our nurses, Melujean Ballesteros, who worked at St Mary’s hospital from 2002.
“Melujean was well-known across the hospital for her kindness and compassion. She made a big impact on the lives of her colleagues as well as her patients, and she will be greatly missed.”
Maureen Ellington
Occupation: Healthcare assistant
Place of work: Southmead hospital in Bristol
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Maureen Ellington died in the early hours of Easter Sunday after testing positive for the virus. Colleagues at Southmead hospital described her as a “kind-hearted, compassionate and caring” person while her family said “she would light up any room she entered”.
Her manager, Suzanne Moss, said she and her team had been “devastated” by Maureen’s death. “To receive the sad news that an irreplaceable member of our team has sadly passed away has had a deeply devastating impact on us all.”
She added: “Maureen was a kind-hearted, compassionate and caring person and she brought all these attributes into her ward practice, which made her a highly valued member of the team.
“Maureen put the patients and colleagues before herself and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.”
Rahima Bibi Sidhanee, 68
Occupation: Care home nurse
Place of work: Grennell Lodge nursing home
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Rahima Sidhanee, 68, refused to retire so she could continue helping others during the coronavirus outbreak. Her son Abu Sidhanee, 41, said: “She said the elderly people needed her and she actually started doing an extra shift. People were in need of her and she was there.”
She worked as a midwife and nurse after moving to Britain from Trinidad in the late 1960s. She had been working at the Grennell Lodge nursing and care home in Sutton, south London, for 20 years.
Kevin Smith
Occupation: Plaster technician
Place of work: Doncaster and Bassetlaw teaching hospitals
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Kevin Smith had worked at Doncaster Royal Infirmary for over 35 years. Richard Parker, the chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw teaching hospitals, said he was a well-respected and hugely popular member of the team, who “was renowned for his warm personality, diligence and compassion”.
He added: “I am incredibly thankful to colleagues who cared for Kevin, and for their tireless efforts during this time.”
Smith’s daughter, Ellie Whitley, wrote on Facebook: “It’s so overwhelming to see so many amazing comments for such an incredible person who loved his job and everyone he worked with for many years.
“Thank you everyone. We will all miss him greatly but never forget him, ever!”
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Luton and Dunstable university hospital
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong was pregnant when she died, and her baby was delivered successfully. She had worked for five years at Luton and Dunstable university hospital. A hospital trust spokeswoman said the nurse’s child was “doing very well” but could give no further information.
Agyapong was admitted to hospital on 7 April, having tested positive for Covid-19 two days previously. David Carter, the chief executive of Bedfordshire hospitals NHS foundation trust, said she was a “fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time,” he said.
Colleagues have paid tribute to Agyapong, who also went by her married name, Mary Boateng, on a fundraising page set up to support her family. One former colleague said Agyapong had “devoted her life to the NHS as a nurse”.
Cheryl Williams
Occupation: Housekeeper on hospital ward
Place of work: North Middlesex university hospital in Edmonton, north London
Date of death: 12 April 2020
Cheryl Williams worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward, and died on Easter Sunday.
Sharing a picture of Williams on Facebook, the NHS trust said her contribution to patient care at the hospital was “irreplaceable”. North Middlesex university hospital NHS trust said: “With greatest sadness, we can confirm the death of our much-loved colleague Cheryl Williams.”
Gilbert Barnedo
Occupation: nurse
Place of work: south-east London care home
Date of death: 11 April 2020
Barnedo had multiple sclerosis but despite this dedicated his life to helping others. A crowdfunder page set up for him reads: “He has been stable for so many years, however, recently he was blue lighted to the hospital for suffering with bilateral pneumonia and was later found out that he contracted Covid-19 which may have been the main cause of his rapid deterioration. He has fought very hard for many days, but eventually, his frail body was not able to take the disease full on. Shortly, he died of respiratory arrest.”
May Hernandez-Jequinto, one of those who set up the page, wrote: “News of the death across the globe daily has overwhelmed us more than we can imagine. Like anyone, who has lost a family member to this awful disease, Gilbert will never have a proper funeral ceremony he greatly deserves.”
He was born in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, Philippines, and trained as a nurse. He worked in nursing homes in later life.
“Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and suffering with symptoms of this condition, he loved his job and was very committed to his patients and colleagues,” the crowdfunder page adds.
Oscar King Jr
Occupation: Porter
Place of work: John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford
Date of death: 11 April 2020
Oscar King Jr, a Filipino hospital porter, died on Saturday after contracting Covid-19. On a fundraiser page to support his family members, he was described as a “loving husband” as well as a “devoted father” to his 10-year-old daughter.
King Jr had worked at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford for more than 10 years, “always doing his job with great enthusiasm and joy”. His wife is also believed to have been taken to hospital with severe symptoms of the virus.
Charles Kwame Tanor
Occupation: Healthcare worker
Place of work: Unknown
Date of death: 11 April 2020
Charles Kwame Tanor moved to Britain from Ghana and is survived by his partner and four-year-old son. He attended Achimota high school in Ghana and later the National Film and Television Institute. He helped to produce films in the late 1990s.
A fundraising page set up to support his family reads: “For those who knew Charles, he was a problem solver, ever so kind and always available to help even people he didn’t know. Charles died doing what he loves the most, helping the vulnerable.”
Sara Trollope, 51
Occupation: Matron for older adult mental health services
Place of work: Hillingdon hospital in greater London
Date of death: 11 April 2020
Sara Trollope was praised for her empathy and support for older people with dementia.
Dr Paul Hopper, the divisional medical director for Hillingdon, paid tribute to the mother of four: “Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients. She was an example to every one of us.”
Gareth Roberts, 65
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Prince Charles hospital in Merthyr Tydfil
Date of death: 11 April 2020
Gareth Roberts worked as a nurse across the Cardiff and Vale health board area for more than 40 years. The husband, father and grandfather died in hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. A friend said he had little to no protection from the virus, which the health board said it would investigate.
“He didn’t have PPE. In the beginning he said he didn’t have anything,” his childhood friend Janette Leonard said.
Roberts was also a husband to Linda, a father to Ceri and Dean and a grandfather to 16-year-old Zac, whom he and his wife brought up after their son Dean passed away 11 years ago.
Amor Padilla Gatinao, 50
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: St Charles hospital in west London
Date of death: 10 April 2020
Amor Padilla Gatinao had worked in the NHS for 18 years, and her husband, Mario, said he believed she caught the virus while working at St Charles hospital. Speaking to Sky News, he said: “Our youngest child is 14 years old and it is so hard. The pain is unbearable.
“I called the ambulance and they came to the house but refused to admit her to the hospital. They told her to take paracetamol. Her whole body was in pain. She couldn’t eat. She was diabetic and also had a heart condition.
“I don’t know why the government did not do more to protect NHS workers, like my wife. She was neglected. My children’s lives will never be the same again.”
Padilla Gatinao was a clinical nurse assessor who moved to the UK in 2002.
Leilani Medel, 41
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: A number of local hospitals in Wales
Date of death: 10 April 2020
Leilani Medel was a nurse in Bridgend, where she had lived for more than 10 years working in care homes and hospitals. Her aunt, Shiela Ancheta, who lives in the Philippines, has paid tribute to her niece. “We are very sad because we can’t go there to visit her family because of the travel ban. Although she was my niece, she is six years older than me. She was like my older sister,” she said.
Also posting on Facebook on Good Friday, Ancheta said: “In this distressed time, we express our love, concern and condolences to the bereaved family of my niece, Leilani Medel, 41, from Bridgend, Wales, born in Divisoria, Santiago City, who passed away due to Covid-19 pandemic.”
Donna Campbell, 54
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Velindre cancer centre in Cardiff
Date of death: 10 April 2020
Donna Campbell was described by colleagues as a “beautiful, kind-hearted friend”. She had worked at the cancer centre for many years, initially as a volunteer.
Velindre university NHS trust said: “She was often found singing and dancing, entertaining patients and staff, making everyone smile. Donna will always have a special place in our hearts and we will all want to send our heartfelt sympathy and love to her family at this very difficult time.”
Julie Omar, 52
Occupation: Orthopaedic nurse
Place of work: Alexandra hospital in Redditch
Date of death: 10 April 2020
A highly experienced trauma and orthopaedic nurse, Julie Omar had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms, Worcestershire acute hospitals NHS trust said. Her condition deteriorated and she died at home.
She leaves behind her husband, Laith, and a grown-up daughter.
The trust’s chief executive, Matthew Hopkins, said: “It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team – Julie Omar – has died.”
He added: “Julie was a dedicated and highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse who had most recently been working as a sister on ward 14 at the Alexandra, but she will also be known to many of you on the Worcester site from her time with the trauma team there.”
Elbert Rico
Occupation: Hospital porter
Place of work: John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford
Date of death: 10 April 2020
Elberto Rico, who was Filipino, died on Friday from suspected coronavirus. He was a father and a husband who had been working as a porter at the John Radcliffe hospital since he arrived in the UK in 2004.
A fundraiser set up by his daughter, Carla Rico, said: “He was always working and would prioritise others’ needs firsts. He would walk around the hospital with a smile on his face and very rarely would he call in sick from work.”
Liz Shale, 61
Occupation: NHS admin worker
Place of work: East Surrey hospital
Date of death: 9 April 2020
Shale worked for the NHS for 20 years but spent the last decade working in palliative care in Bradford.
Her eldest son, Jason Shale, 34, told the Sun: “When all this started she wanted to continue going into work.
“She was one of those bubbly people who liked to motivate everyone. She just continued trying to do that until she became ill.
“She was initially told she had flu but she was eventually taken into hospital.”
Joanna Klenczon, 34
Occupation: Cleaning teams
Place of work: Northampton general hospital
Date of death: 9 April 2020
Klenczon had worked at Northampton for 10 years managing cleaning teams. A statement from the hospital confirmed she died on 9 April after “receiving the best care we could provide”.
The hospital added: “Her colleagues remember her as someone who was courteous, polite, a good organiser and team member who set high standards, and was prepared to go the extra mile.
“Our thoughts are with Joanna’s family at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences.”
Abdul Gellaledin, 53
Occupation: Ambulance care assistant
Place of work: Kingston hospital
Date of death: 9 April 2020
Gellaledin was described as a family man who was much adored in the community. He left behind two sons, 11 and 16, as well as a daughter aged 20. He arrived in the UK from Sudan over 30 years ago and worked transporting elderly patients to and from Kingston hospital and care homes. He was also known by many in the community as driver for London United bus company for nearly a decade.
“Abdul and his crew mates developed symptoms for Covid-19 and they decided to immediately self-isolate for a period of two weeks due a continuous cough, fever and persistent headaches. He self-isolated for a period of nine days where his condition began to worsen and subsequently was brought into hospital in an ambulance with severe breathing difficulties which coincided with the aforementioned fever and cough. Abdul was very active, fit and healthy,” said his nephew Ahmed Aburunnat.
“After an x-ray it was discovered that he had developed pneumonia. Abdul was also in hospital for a number of days before being tested for Covid-19 which returned positive (after three days) and he was then transferred to the ICU,” he added.
His nephew said that he had concerns about a lack of personal protective equipment. He said: “Abdul was was a very kind-hearted, warm, respectful, selfless gentleman who went above and beyond for everyone he encountered. Abdul was a bubbly individual famed for his interactions with customers, colleagues and friends.
“He will be sorely missed by his colleagues, family and everyone at the hospital. He has genuinely left a vacuum of love and mercy that we so need today. Alas he was sent to his death unequipped.”
Mandy Siddorn, 61
Occupation: Pharmacy technician
Place of work: Swettenham Chemist
Date of death: 9 April 2020
Siddorn was praised by colleagues for her ability to make people smile in the hardest times. A spokesman for the pharmacy posted a touching tribute to the 61-year-old on their social media page, saying: “It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the loss of one of our Swettenham family, Mandy, who passed away as a result of contracting coronavirus.
“Mandy worked across our Wirral and Chester branches as a registered checking technician, the highest non-pharmacist role, and did so with outstanding professionalism and accuracy.
“We are all devastated by this tragic loss and our thoughts go out to all who knew her.”
Dr Edmond Adedeji, 62
Occupation: Locum registrar
Place of work: Great Western hospital
Date of death: 8 April 2020
Dr Edmond Adedeji was a locum registrar in the emergency department. He died after being cared for in the intensive care unit, having tested positive for Covid-19.
The 62-year-old had worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department since August 2019. His family said in a statement: “We as a family are grateful to God for the life of Dr Edmond Adefolu Adedeji. He died doing a job he loved, serving others before himself.
“We would like to thank the staff and his colleagues for looking after him during his final days. He leaves behind a wife, three children and three grandchildren.”
Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53
Occupation: Doctor
Place of work: Homerton university hospital in London
Date of death: 8 April 2020
Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, a consultant urologist at Homerton hospital in Hackney, east London, died after spending 15 days in Queens hospital, Romford.
In March, he wrote a Facebook message to Boris Johnson outlining the urgent need for PPE for frontline staff and calling for testing for healthcare workers to be fast-tracked.
He told Johnson that healthcare workers “are in direct contact with patients” and have a “human right like others to live in this world disease-free with our family and children”.
Philip Glanville, the Labour mayor of Hackney, hailed Chowdhury as a “hero” who died serving the borough. In a tweet he added: “I hope his death wasn’t as a result of continuing issues around testing & PPE, but it raises Qs. A sobering reminder of the lives being lost to keep us safe & the contribution BAME staff make.”
Dr Fayez Ayache, 76
Occupation: GP
Place of work: Volunteering in North Clacton, Essex
Date of death: 8 April 2020
Dr Fayez Ayache had retired as a GP at Suffolk’s Constable country medical practice, but he had been working part-time as a GP in North Clacton, Essex. He had volunteered to help refugees from his native Syria, where he trained as a doctor before moving to the UK in 1973. He died on 8 April after being diagnosed with pneumonia and Covid-19.
Dr Sharif Al-Ghazal, a consultant plastic surgeon at Bradford Royal Infirmary, paid tribute on behalf of the Syrian British Medical Society. He said: “Dr Fayez was a kind-hearted man who always went out of his way to assist his patients, even at great personal cost. He was loved by many, and more recently over the last few years has tended to the needs of newly arrived Syrian refugees.”
His daughters Layla and Katie said: “He was the most kind-hearted, loving, generous and caring man we knew and he was an incredible and amazing doctor having worked as a GP, ENT consultant and surgeon in the NHS and private sector for over 40 years. We are truly devastated and will miss him dearly. He was a true foundation in our lives.”
Elsie Sazuze, 44
Occupation: Care home nurse
Place of work: Wolverhampton-based care agency Totally Care
Date of death: 8 April 2020
Elsie Sazuze, from Birmingham, worked at a Staffordshire nursing home and was described by a friend as “dedicated to helping people”.
After falling sick at home, she was taken to Good Hope hospital in Sutton Coldfield where she died, leaving behind her husband, Ken, a 22-year-old son and a daughter aged 16.
Originally from Malawi, she had trained and worked at New Cross hospital in Wolverhampton and was employed by the Wolverhampton-based care agency Totally Care.
A childhood friend, William Fungatira, said: “Elsie was a naturally quiet person but very caring, friendly, cheerful and resilient. She had a passion to always help others. She was dedicated to helping people.”
He set up a fundraiser for her family, which reads: “Following the tragic death of Elsie Sazuze, a practising NHS nurse, who succumbed to Covid-19 on the morning of 8 April 2020 at Good Hope hospital in Sutton Coldfield, this is an appeal to well-wishers to raise funds which will help the bereaved family in alleviating the financial burden that their circumstances present.”
Donald Suelto, 51
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Hammersmith hospital in London
Date of death: 7 April 2020
Donald Suelto was described by friends and family as a nurse who was “dedicated” to his job and “proud to work for the NHS”. He had previously worked as a nurse in the Philippines before moving to the UK for a job with the NHS 18 years ago.
His niece, Emelyne Suelto Robertson, told Nursing Times that she hoped the news of her uncle’s death would remind people to stay home “because this is the reality of frontline nurses”.
Suelto Robinson, who works as a nurse in Scotland, said her uncle had died alone at home after self-isolating with symptoms of Covid-19 and was found by police. “My uncle is really a hero for all of us,” she said.
“He really offered his service to our NHS here in the UK and he was really dedicated to his job.”
Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Colindale medical centre in Barnet
Date of death: 7 April 2020
Alice Kit Tak Ong had been a nurse in the NHS her entire working life, having arrived in the UK from Hong Kong to study nursing in the early 70s. She spent time as a midwife and later as a diabetic specialist nurse. For the past 20 years she had worked in the community. She was still working full-time across two surgeries and running baby clinics when she fell ill with the coronavirus.
On 7 April, two weeks after she was admitted to hospital, the 70-year-old died at the Royal Free hospital in London. At the end of her life her family were unable to visit because of the risk of infection to her husband, Marcus.
Her daughter Melissa Ong, 37, said her mother had spent her life helping and caring for others. “She was completely dedicated to her work. That’s what she was doing until the moment she was taken ill,” she said. “She loved her job and she loved her patients.” She said the family had been inundated with messages of condolence and love. “She had a very good heart and very generous personality. Everybody loved her.”
Leilani Dayrit, 47
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: St Cross hospital in Rugby
Date of death: 7 April 2020
Leilani Dayrit died of suspected Covid-19 after giving 16 years of service to the NHS. In a fundraiser set up to help the nurse’s family, Araial Ilustre said: “Her sudden tragic passing left behind her loving husband and her most beautiful legacy, her daughter. She is a ray of sunshine to those people who were fortunate to meet her.
“Her beautiful smile mirrors her beautiful heart full of love. Her strong willpower to surpass any trial in life and her optimism resonates to everyone.”
Dayrit was nicknamed “Mummy Lei” by the children of her friends. She was one of eight children, and grew up in Vigan City in the Philippines. As a young woman, she was a member of a performance arts club. She finished her nursing degree at the University of Northern Philippines.
Jitendra Rathod, 62
Occupation: Heart surgeon
Place of work: The Cardiff and Vale University health board
Date of death: 6 April 2020
Jitendra Rathod was an experienced and admired heart surgeon. A father of two, he died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was an associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery.
The Cardiff and Vale University health board said he had worked in the cardiothoracic surgery department since the mid-90s. “He was an incredibly dedicated surgeon who cared deeply for his patients,” the board said. “He was well-liked and greatly respected by one and all. He was a very compassionate and a wonderful human being.”
The Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, paid tribute to Rathod, while the former Welsh Conservative party leader Andrew RT Davies said: “He was highly regarded in the medical profession in Wales. My thoughts are with his wife and two sons.”
Janice Graham, 58
Occupation: Healthcare support worker and district nurse
Place of work: Inverclyde health and social care partnership
Date of death: 6 April 2020
Janice Graham was a healthcare support worker and district nurse. When she died at Inverclyde Royal hospital, she was believed to be the first NHS worker to die in Scotland from the coronavirus.
Speaking to STV News, her son, Craig, said: “I am so proud of her and there will not be a day that goes by that I will not think about her.”
Louise Long, the chief officer of Inverclyde health and social care partnership, said: “Janice was a valued team member in our district nursing and evening services team and brought kindness and compassion to patients and colleagues.”
Barbara Moore, 54
Occupation: Patient discharge planner
Place of work: Aintree university hospital
Date of death: 6 April 2020
Hailed as an unsung hero, Barbara Moore died after testing positive for coronavirus, Liverpool university hospitals confirmed. The chief nurse, Dianne Brown, said: “Barbara’s loss is an awful blow to us all, and she will be missed so much by all of her colleagues.”
Moore was responsible for making arrangements to allow patients to safely leave the hospital. She joined the hospital team after spending most of her career as a care worker for people with disabilities.
A spokesman for her family said: “Barbara dedicated her life to caring for others and doted on her two beautiful children and grandchildren.”
Emily Perugia, 29
Occupation: NHS care worker
Place of work: Central and north west London NHS foundation trust
Date of death: 5 April 2020
Emily Perugia was a member of the care connection team in Northwood for the Central and North West London NHS foundation trust. She was engaged to James Day, who also works in the contact centre, and they had recently moved into their first home together.
One of her friends shared on Facebook: “To Emily Perugia shine bright lovely stay at home it saves lives we lost one of our own last night all our thoughts are with family and friends of Emily what a lovely girl!
“This virus is evil and we need to beat this together by staying home please everyone do as we are asked and stay in let the NHS fight this and stop the spread of the evil that is upon us.”
Rebecca Mack, 29
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle
Date of death: 5 April 2020
Rebecca Mack, from Morpeth in Northumberland, had worked as a children’s nurse at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary before going on to a job with NHS 111. She had no known health problems, and fell ill after a work training session in Derby.
She was self-isolating alone at her home when her symptoms worsened. Mack called for an ambulance and left the door open for paramedics. They found her dead in her home, her mother, Marion, told the Newcastle Chronicle.
She said: “We couldn’t have wished for a nicer daughter. She was so caring. She was just the light of our lives. I can’t even begin to imagine life without her.”
The mother of a boy whom Mack nursed when he had leukaemia said: “She could make kids smile when they were that far down.”
Her friend Sarah Bredin-Kemp said Mack would be “so missed”. She wrote in a Facebook post: “We lost our beautiful Rebecca Mack on Sunday to Covid-19. She was a devoted friend, an incredible nurse and an unapologetically imperfect person.”
Dr Syed Zishan Haider, 79
Occupation: GP
Place of work: Valence medical centre in Dagenham
Date of death: 4 April 2020
Described “a selfless and compassionate doctor”, Syed Zishan Haider was a practising GP who was committed to serving his community in Barking and Dagenham. He was a senior partner at Valence medical centre, and also worked as a senior homeopathic physician at the Royal London hospital for integrated medicine for over 30 years.
His daughter Samina said: “His dedication to help people everywhere, be it professionally or personally, was unwavering. We are truly astounded as to how many people have reached out to share a story of his kindness, and continue to receive touching tributes from colleagues, patients, friends and family alike.”
She added: “He was a loving, cheerful and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. We are left with a void that can never be filled. We would like to pay tribute to all the NHS staff who treated him, and those risking their health in all areas of frontline services.”
Glen Corbin, 59
Occupation: Retired mental health worker
Place of work: Central and North West London NHS trust
Date of death: 4 April 2020
Glen Corbin had recently returned to work as a bank healthcare assistant. He worked at Pine Ward at Park Royal centre for mental health (PRCMH) for many years, joining shortly after it opened in 1995.
Central and North West London trust released a statement on its website saying: “One of our own, Glen Corbin, a staff member from Brent, has very sadly died and his colleagues have written an appreciation note below.
“He was the ‘go to’ person who knew everything about the ward and how to get things done. He was instrumental in helping turn things around [at Park Royal] and supporting the senior management team at the time. It is no secret he hated paperwork and the thing he valued most was being and working with service users.”
The trust added that he had been looking forward to his 60th birthday later this year. “Every time we had staff moves, Glen was always the first to say that he didn’t want to go anywhere else and that he would never be able to replicate the good experiences he had on Pine Ward,” they said.
“PRCMH without Glen is hard to imagine and he delighted in telling everyone he was so much looking forward to travelling back home to his beloved homeland when he wanted, in his words ‘to get some sun on my back,’” the trust said.
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai, 70s
Occupation: Consultant geriatrician
Place of work: Kingston hospital in south London
Date of death: 4 April 2020
Dr Anton Sebastianpillai died in Kingston hospital just over two weeks after completing his last shift there. Sebastianpillai died four days after being admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit.
He qualified as a doctor at the Peradeniya University medical school in his native Sri Lanka and later wrote an illustrated history of the island.
The school praised his “brave commitment to serve the NHS”. Dr Thusiyan Nandakumar, a fellow Tamil working in the NHS, tweeted: “Dr Sebastianpillai put himself at risk to help save others. A remarkably courageous and selfless role model.”
Areema Nasreen, 36
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Walsall Manor hospital in the West Midlands
Date of death: 3 April 2020
Areema Nasreen worked for 16 years at Walsall Manor hospital, where she died after contracting the coronavirus.
Nasreen, who had three children and was from Walsall, developed symptoms on 13 March, including aches, a high temperature and then a cough. Her family said she had no underlying health issues.
Her sister Kazeema Nasreen, 22, a healthcare assistant at the same hospital, said Nasreen was “an amazing nurse” and urged others to take the virus seriously.
In a tribute posted on Facebook, her friend Rubi Aktar said: “She was the most loveliest, genuine person you could ever meet. She went above and beyond for everyone she met. I’m so grateful that I had the honour to call her my best friend. She saw me at my best and my worst and accepted my every flaw. I am so broken that words can’t explain.”
Elvira Bucu, 50
Occupation: NHS care worker
Place of work: Unclear if employed in NHS at time of death
Date of death: 3 April 2020
Elvira Bucu was an NHS care worker and mother of three. In a fundraising page, a family friend said her family had been struggling to cope with her death as her husband also tested positive.
They said: “Elvie’s death was sudden, unexpected and we are all still in shock. She only just turned 50 and she still had her whole life ahead of her. She was still yet to see her daughter get married, she was still yet to live the life she planned and worked so hard for.
“She was still yet to know what it was like to become a grandmother. She was still yet to fulfil her dream of becoming a nurse.”
Liz Glanister, 68
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Aintree university hospital in Liverpool
Date of death: 3 April 2020
Liz Glanister, a staff nurse, died in hospital after testing positive for the virus.
The Liverpool university hospitals NHS foundation trust chief nurse, Dianne Brown, said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that Liz Glanister, a long-serving staff nurse at Aintree university hospital, sadly passed away at the Royal Liverpool university hospital on Friday after being tested positive for Covid-19.
“All our thoughts are with Liz’s family at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences. Liz will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with her.”
Liverpool’s mayor, Joe Anderson, also paid tribute to her “sacrifice”. “Words cannot express how much a debt of gratitude this city owes to Liz Glanister and her colleagues,” he said.
Amanda Forde
Occupation: GP receptionist
Place of work: Vale practice
Date of death: 3 April 2020
Forde worked at a GP practice in London. Her employer described her as “a beautiful, caring receptionist”. The practice’s website includes a dedication to her that concludes: “May she rest in peace.”
John Alagos, 23
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Watford general hospital in Hertfordshire
Date of death: 3 April 2020
John Alagos is believed to be the youngest medic in the UK to die from coronavirus. His mother, Gina Gustilo, said her son fell ill during a 12-hour shift but was allegedly not allowed to return home due to short-staffing.
She told the Mail on Sunday: “I asked: ‘Why didn’t you come home?’ He said he had asked other staff but they said they were short of staff and they did not let him go.”
Gustilo described how she then advised her son to take paracetamol, but just minutes later, found him unconscious and “turning blue” in his bed.
A spokeswoman for Watford general hospital described him as “very popular” and said he would be “missed greatly”.
She added: “Our staff are fully briefed on the symptoms of Covid-19 and we would never expect anyone to remain at work if they were showing these symptoms or indeed were unwell in any way.
“We have always kept our staff updated on the latest PPE guidance to make sure they have the right level of protection.”
Aimee O‘Rourke, 38
Occupation: Nurse
Place of work: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother hospital
Date of death: 2 April 2020
Aimee O‘Rourke was an NHS nurse and mother of three girls, Megan, Mollie and Maddie. She died at the hospital where she worked.
She studied at Canterbury Christ Church University before joining the NHS in 2017. She started showing symptoms of the coronavirus about two weeks before her condition deteriorated and she was taken into intensive care at the QEQM and put on a ventilator.
Her daughter, Megan Murphy, wrote on Facebook that it had always been “us 4 against the world!”, and said she and her sisters would now look after each other. “Look at all the lives you looked after and all the families you comforted when patients passed away … you are an angel and you will wear your NHS crown forever more because you earned that crown the very first day you started,” she wrote.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for O’Rourke’s family. A colleague, Lucy Page, wrote: “Aimee O’Rourke taught me to fight for what I believe in and gave me courage so many times to do it.” Another colleague, Soraya Zanders, said: “Aimee cared for many patients in her time as a nurse. She brought warmth and comfort to many.”
On the evening of the day she died, family and friends lit candles and clapped in her honour during the weekly Clap for Carers.
Dr Sami Shousha, 79
Occupation: Doctor
Place of work: Charing Cross hospital
Date of death: 2 April 2020
A British-Egyptian doctor, Sami Shousha died two weeks after contracting the virus. He specialised in histopathology, or diseases of the tissue, and trained at the Royal Free hospital and London’s School of Medicine.
He had worked for more than 40 years at Charing Cross hospital, joning in 1978, and he managed the breast histopathology service.
Speaking to Middle East Eye, his nephew Abdelrahman Shousha said: “He was very keen on going to work on his final days despite the health hazards. However, most likely, his work did not involve direct contact with Covid-19 patients.” He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Lynsay Coventry, 54
Occupation: Midwife
Place of work: Princess Alexandra hospital
Date of death: 2 April 2020
Lynsay Coventry was the first publicly confirmed fatality of a serving NHS midwife in England linked to Covid-19.
Her family paid tribute to her as a “very well-respected midwife”, adding: “Our hearts are broken at the loss of our loving, wonderful and caring mum, sister, daughter and grandmother. We each know how much she loved and cherished us. Her love for us all was unfailing and her strength in the way she cared and supported us will fill our memories.”
Relatives said she had trained as a midwife later in life to “follow her dream”. She saw the midwifery team at the hospital “as her other family”, the family statement said, noting how proud she was of her work. She had worked at the hospital for a decade.
Lance McCarthy, the chief executive of the hospital’s NHS trust, said Coventry would be remembered “for her professionalism and commitment to the women she supported”, adding: “Her loss will be felt by the maternity team and colleagues from across the organisation.”
Joan Grimshaw
Occupation: Retired nurse
Place of work: Unknown
Date of death: 1 April 2020
Grimshaw spent her whole working life with the NHS, after becoming a student nurse at just 18 years old. She was one of the first in a group of student nurses to work for the health service, and looked back on her career with fond memories after her retirement in 1995.
After retiring, Grimshaw would still attend nights out with the casualty staff once a month.
Her daughter, Denise, 63, said: “Her job used to mean everything to her and even in retirement, she wanted to stay on for as long as she could.
“We used to take her back to see her friends, even though many of them had passed away and others had dementia.”
Hamza Pacheeri, 80
Occupation: Retired gynaecologist
Place of work: Unknown
Date of death: 1 April 2020
Hamza Pacheeri was a native of Perinthalmanna in Kerala, India, and he graduated from Government Medical College in Kozhikode.
He worked in several hospitals across the UK and was known as a very sociable and helpful person who would go to great lengths to help the community. Hamza was undergoing treatment for complications from coronavirus and died at City hospital in Birmingham.
Dr Eric Labeja-Acellam, 69
Occupation: Consultant
Place of work: University Hospital Lewisham in south-east London
Date of death: 31 March 2020
Dr Eric Labeja-Acellam, originally from Uganda, is said to have died at King’s College hospital. His wife, Jennifer Lawala, a well-known musician in Uganda, also contracted the coronavirus. She told Mirror Online: “If God could allow two people to go at the same time, I would want to go with my husband. I don’t know how I survived.”
Talking about the last time she saw her husband, she said: “He held my hand, he didn’t want to let go of my hand when the ambulance came to get him.
“I told him: ‘You are going to come back,’ and he asked: ‘Can you come with me?’ The ambulance wouldn’t allow it.”
Dr Alfa Saadu, 68
Occupation: Part-time locum and retired medical director
Place of work: Princess Alexandra hospital
Date of death: 31 March 2020
Dr Alfa Saadu had nearly 40 years’ experience in the NHS. He died at the Whittington hospital in north London. He had been a medical director at the Princess Alexandra hospital in Essex and Ealing NHS trust, and had worked at many hospitals in the capital.
The former president of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, posted his condolences on Twitter. He said Dr Saadu had been a chairman of the Kwara State Association, a community leader and traditional office holder as Galadima of Pategi.
His son, Dani Saadu, said of his father: “He was a very passionate man, who cared about saving people. As soon as you spoke to him about medicine or what was happening with the NHS his eyes would light up – he was very passionate.
“He was working part-time as a locum as he just could not fully retire. He just loved medicine so much. He worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in different hospitals across London and he loved to lecture people in the world of medicine; he did so in the UK and Africa.”
Thomas Harvey, 57
Occupation: Healthcare assistant
Place of work: Goodmayes hospital in east London
Date of death: 29 March 2020
Thomas Harvey caught the coronavirus and died after treating patients with only gloves for protection, according to his family.
It is claimed Harvey fell ill after helping a patient who later tested positive for Covid-19 and eventually died on 29 March. He had been signed off work more than two weeks earlier when he developed symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath and body aches.
His family said that if he had had the correct personal protective equipment, he might still be alive. Goodmayes hospital claimed there were “no symptomatic patients on the ward”. However, a former colleague told the BBC that Harvey contracted the virus after treating a patient who later tested positive.
Amged El-Hawrani, 55
Occupation: ENT consultant
Place of work: Queen’s hospital in Burton
Date of death: 28 March 2020
A respected ear, nose and throat consultant, Amged El-Hawrani was one of the first confirmed hospital frontline workers to die in the UK after testing positive for the coronavirus. His death prompted tributes from ministers and senior health leaders.
In a statement, his family said he was “a loving and much-loved husband, son, father, brother, and friend”.
“His greatest passions were his family and his profession, and he dedicated his life to both,” they said.
“We would like to thank all those involved in his care for their kindness and compassion during his illness. They worked tirelessly for their patient, as he would have done for his own.”
Pooja Sharma, 33
Occupation: Hospital pharmacist
Place of work: Eastbourne district general hospital, East Sussex
Date of death: 26 March 2020
Pooja Sharma died a day after her father also passed away from the coronavirus.
A friend, Amarjit Aujla, paid tribute on Facebook: “Her laughter was contagious and her random calls made my day. From when we were in primary school until we last spoke two weeks ago, you gave me nothing but love, support and a tummy ache with all the laughter.
“Life can never be the same without you my dear friend.”
Lara Stacey Young, a nurse in the area, said: “So many people will be devastated. She was such a lovely soul.”
Sharma’s father, Sudhir, 61, was an immigration officer at Heathrow, but officials said it was likely he had contracted the virus elsewhere. He had been away from work since 7 January due to “underlying health problems”.
Andy Howe, 48
Occupation: Bus driver running transit service to hospitals
Place of work: Nottingham
Date of death: 26 March 2020
Andy Howe worked on the Medilink service, which took NHS workers and patients to hospital. He died on the way to hospital after falling ill, his employer said.
A spokesman for the RMT union said: “We are saddened by the news of Andy’s passing. We’re also angered by the reports we have received about a lack of duty of care for Andy, his colleagues and the wider public.”
He said this included reports of toilets and buses not being cleaned properly, and a lack of protective screens or masks.
CT4N, the operator of the bus service, denied the allegation and said it had been “rigorously following government health and safety advice”.
Andrew Grieve from CT4N said Howe was a “popular” and “well-respected” member of the team and said everyone was “devastated” by his death.
Adil El Tayar, 63
Occupation: Surgeon
Place of work: Volunteering in A&E departments in the Midlands
Date of death: 25 March 2020
Adil El Tayar was the first working NHS surgeon known to have died from Covid-19 in the UK. He had been volunteering in A&E departments in the Midlands to help the NHS cope with the virus.
“He wanted to be deployed where he would be most useful in the crisis,” said his cousin, the broadcaster Zeinab Badawi. “It had taken just 12 days for Adil to go from a seemingly fit and capable doctor working in a busy hospital to lying in a hospital morgue.”
His former colleague Abbas Ghazanfar, a renal transplant surgeon at St George’s hospital in Tooting, described Tayar as a “noble human being” who was a “hardworking, dedicated surgeon”.
Dr Habib Zaidi, 76
Occupation: GP
Place of work: Eastwood group practice, Essex
Date of death: 25 March 2020
Dr Habib Zaidi died in intensive care at Southend hospital in Essex, 24 hours after being taken ill. He and his wife, Dr Talat Zaidi, 70, were both managing partners of Eastwood group practice and had served three generations of families in the area for nearly 50 years. The couple’s four children all work in the medical profession.
Their daughter Dr Sarah Zaidi, also a GP, said his death was “reflective of his sacrifice”, adding: “He had a vocational attitude to service.”
She said: “We can’t mourn in the normal way. We can’t have a normal funeral. He left a gaping hole in our hearts, but a loss that is also felt within the community that he devoted almost his entire life to. We are praying for the safety of everyone right now.”