Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to a student nurse who died after contracting coronavirus.
Ade Raymond is being remembered by his devastated colleagues as a "compassionate" and "inspirational" man who had "always wanted to become a nurse".
He was a first year student mental health nurse, studying at Middlesex University in Hendon, north-west London, and worked part-time as a healthcare assistant.
At least 40 NHS workers have died after contracting coronavirus, and the UK's death toll has increased by 801 to nearly 13,000, although the total doesn't include those who died in private homes, care homes or hospices.
Have you been affected by coronavirus? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.
Mr Raymond was working at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH) Mental Health Trust in the capital.
The Trust confirmed on Wednesday that he died after contracting the virus.
Jinjer Kandola, chief executive of BEH Mental Health Trust, described Mr Raymond as a "highly respected" team member who was pursuing his nursing degree.
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.
"Ade was a highly respected & much missed by all. RIP Ade."
A fellow student wrote: "Deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Ade Raymond.
"Ade was in my cohort at the beginning of his journey to becoming a mental health nurse.
"My thoughts and sympathies are with all of his family, friends & colleagues. May he rest in Paradise ."
A friend added: "A very compassionate, intelligent, inspirational gentleman who would have made an amazing nurse.
"He will be well missed by everyone that met him.
"My deepest condolence to friends and family and all of my students."
A nurse and teacher wrote: "As I was a student nurse Ade worked as a HCA.
"I then qualified and he was still there, always friendly and humble.
"He always wanted to become a nurse. My heart is broken."
A spokesperson for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of our colleague and friend Ade Raymond due to coronavirus.
"Ade was a much-valued health care assistant at Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and was studying part-time for a nursing degree at Middlesex University.
"Ade was a highly respected team member who will be much-missed by his family, friends, colleagues and patients. We ask that you please respect their privacy at this difficult time."
A spokesperson for Middlesex University added: “We are deeply saddened to learn that one of our first year mental health student nurses Ade Raymond has died due to Covid-19 and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
"Ade joined us in September 2019 in year 1 of the BSc Nursing programme, after working for a number of years with Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust as a healthcare assistant.
"“This tragic news has had a deep impact on the students who knew Ade and the staff who taught him.
"Middlesex is a strong community and we are here, more than ever, to support our students, staff and wider community.
"Anyone who is struggling can contact their academic leads, tutors or Students’ Union for support.”
