Donations pour in to support newborn daughter of tragic Luton nurse who died with coronavirus

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28, died on Sunday in the hospital where she had worked for five years.

Her baby girl, named Mary after her, was delivered by emergency caesarean. Although thought to be premature, she is doing well and has been described as a "beacon of light" at this very dark time’.

Mary, described as a much-loved and "fantastic" nurse, had been working at the hospital through her pregnancy until the middle of March.

She tested positive for Covid-19 on April 5 and was admitted two days later.

With no underlying health conditions, initially it was thought she was showing signs of improvement but tragically she passed away of April 12.

Little Mary will be cared for by her father, Mary's husband AJ.

Colleagues at the L&D set up a Gofundme page this morning with the aim of raising £2,000 to help the family. Within 11 hours it raised more than £17,000 from sympathetic donors all over the world.

You can donate here

Nurse Rhoda Asiedu wrote of the page: "It is with a heavy heart to announce that our beloved sister, aunty , wife , mother, work colleague and friend Mary Boateng (Mary Mo) has sadly left us to be with the Lord.

"Mary was a blessing to everyone she came across and her love, care and sincerity will be irreplaceable.

"I am raising this funds for her immediate family; her husband, AJ and her baby girl little Mary, who was born at the time of her demise. It is humane for us to take care of them in every way we can during this heavy and trying time.

"The funds raised would be a starting point to support them financially. And any amount you are led to contribute within your capacity will be greatly appreciated to support the family as she would have reached out to anyone in need without hesitation.

"May God reward and bless everyone who finds it in their heart to assist. This will go a long way in making life more bearable after experiencing this in unexpected tragedy. May those who have settled in Heaven welcome you home, to a better resting place.

"You will forever be in our hearts Mary. Your memories are still with us and we will cherish them forever until we meet again We will forever miss you."

David Carter, CEO of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday (12th April). Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust.

" She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”