A new mum has died just weeks after giving birth having tested positive for Covid while pregnant.
Natalie Forshaw, 30, delivered son Caleb via an emergency C-section on November 3, the Manchester Evening News reports.
But she was forced to remain in hospital and battled for her life after contracting the deadly bug.
The popular hairdresser and beautician from Burnage, Manchester, had been treated by medics in the Intensive Care Unit of Manchester Royal Infirmary since giving birth.
However, she died in the early hours of Boxing Day, her heartbroken mother announced.
Natalie had chosen not to have any vaccinations, due to her pregnancy.
Five days before Christmas, she suffered a major setback when her heart failed.
The new mum eventually lost her fight on December 26.
Devastated mum Bernie Wilton posted on Facebook that Natalie had lost her fight and the next day added: "Today, my heart broke into many pieces. I don't think it will ever mend.
"I am going to miss your daft ways, the fact that you text me 8,400,000 times a day even if it was just to say love you mammy.
"We had an amazing bond, not only mother and daughter but best of friends.
"She was absolutely beautiful and would brighten up everyone's day. There are thousands of people who loved her."
She had previously discussed her daughter's battle as friends rallied around the family.
"Natalie was at home when she first became poorly," she said.
"Because she was pregnant we took her to see a doctor and her oxygen levels were very very low. She was getting bad pains in her chest.
"She went to hospital and the baby was delivered but Natalie was transferred to intensive care.
"She was not able to see Caleb for a week."
An online appeal set up to help Natalie's family has raised £6,500.
Organiser Lucy Scarry, who originally hoped to make £500, posted: "As many of you know Nat heartbreakingly grew her angel wings today.
"Please keep sharing and donating so we can help her family at this devastating time."
