Over £100k raised for family of pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong died on Sunday.

Over £100,000 has been raised for the family of a pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus on Sunday.

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28, died at Luton and Dunstable University hospital, where she had worked for five years.

Her baby, also called Mary, was delivered by emergency c-section and is now doing well, the hospital said.

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong died on Sunday. Picture: Rhoda Asiedu

A fundraising page set up by family and friends has so far raised £104,700 for Ms Agyapong’s husband AJ and baby Mary.

“It is humane for us to take care of them in every way we can during this heavy and trying time,” wrote Rhoda Asiedu, who set up the fundraiser.

“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.”

Ms Agyapong had been working at the hospital until at least March 12, well into her third trimester, Channel 4 news reported.

The hospital said it did not have any coronavirus patients before she took maternity leave

David Carter, chief executive of the hospital 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."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 April 5 and was admitted to the hospital on April 7."

The UK government advises that pregnant women are among those at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus.