Chesterfield family's plea to help Royal Hospital nurses after death of 'wonderful' woman from coronavirus

‘Kind and caring’ Sheila Wilmot, 64, passed away on Sunday after spending five days on a ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital battling the virus.

Her family described Sheila as ‘the glue which held them together’.

MORE: Family pays heartbreaking tribute after 'wonderful' Chesterfield woman dies from coronavirus

Now Sheila’s niece, Amy Hill, says she is determined the family’s loss will ‘not be in vain’ and has pledged to raise cash for the Royal’s ‘amazing’ nurses and other staff.

“The staff at the hospital coud not have done more and went above and beyond keeping us informed by phone,” Amy, 31, said.

“They were devastated that Sheila died themselves and we have nothing but praise for the way they looked after her.

“Now we want to give something back as it seemed obvious to us they need more personal protective equipment (PPE).”

Amy and other members of the family have set up a Justgiving page so people can donate directly to the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity.

The appeal has already raised £895 and Amy today thanked everyone for their support and the kind messages the family had received.

MORE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital receives donation of critical protective equipment from university

Sheila, who suffered with asthma and chest infections, lived in the Lowgates area of Staveley with her brother Bob and was described as a ‘caring person with a massive heart’.

“She knitted clothes for the premature baby unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and loved to knit for all her nieces and nephews,” Amy said.

“She looked after her mum and dad and her brother Glyn when they were poorly. Family was everything to Sheila.”

Amy added: “Everyone can help by buying a packet of gloves or a face mask. It might then help a member of your own family,” she added.

Lynn Andrew, director of nursing and patient care at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I will personally make sure that the ward’s stocks of PPE are checked.

“The hospital has PPE supplies to care for patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 and deliveries to our wards are made seven days a week to keep up with demand at this challenging time.”