The grieving daughter of a former nurse who died after contracting coronavirus has paid tribute to her mum saying 'she was more than a number’.
Maria Cassidy, 68, from Sheffield, died last week with her relatives unable to be by her side to prevent the killer virus from spreading.
The mum-of-three, who also had three grandchildren, was one of thousands of hospital patients to die across the UK last week.
To date 10,612 people across the nation have died after testing positive for Covid-19.
Her heartbroken daughter Lisa Marie, from Firth Park, said: “My mum's name was Maria. She wasn't just a number or a statistic of Covid-19.
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“She was a very much loved and treasured mum, grandma, mum-in-law, sister, auntie and friend.
"Mum had complicated health conditions that put her at risk if she contracted Covid-19 and she went into shielding to protect herself."
Recalling the moment her mum fell ill, she continued: "Unfortunately on Thursday April 2 it became clear that Mum was very ill and we had to call 999 for her.
"She was tested and found to be positive for Covid-19 and was put onto a non invasive ventilator."
Sadly Maria died three days later without her loved ones by her side.
Liisa said: "On Sunday 5th April I received a call from the hospital telling me that they were removing the ventilator to allow my Mum to die.
"That is the worst phone call I have ever received in my life.
"My Mum spent most of her adult life looking after others as a nurse. It was her true calling and her vocation.
"That caring nature never left her and she told me that she wanted this to continue in her death and her body to be left to medical science so that she could continue to help people once she was gone."
Lisa has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help pay for her mum's funeral.
She said: "Because of how she died we are unable to do this and I need to try and raise the funds to now lay my beautiful Mum to rest.
"She was a beautiful soul, and myself and my family are devastated by her loss.
"Please pray that her soul finds peace and if you can help in any way at all we would be extremely grateful."
To make a donation click here.
