Family's heartbreaking tribute after Chesterfield 'superhero' great gran dies from coronavirus

Mavis Blood was described as ‘kind’, ‘generous’ and a ‘superhero’ after her death at Chesterfield Royal Hospital aged 74.

The Staveley great grandmother was well-known for ‘random acts of kindness’ and her family say the response to her death in the community has been ‘overwhelming’.

Granddaughter Ellen-Rose Chapman said: “Our hearts were not ready to say goodbye to you yet. You were the most glamorous character there ever was; there was never a dull moment with you around.

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“The women I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because things worked out. They got that way because things went wrong and they handled it. They handled it a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it.

“Those women are my superheroes. And you nan certainly were a superhero.”

Mavis was admitted to the hospital with severe pneumonia and died within 48 hours on Tuesday, April 7, with the cause of death being Covid-19 on her death certificate.

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Her family said the nurses who looked after Mavis were ‘living angels’ and could not have done more to help her.

Ellen-Rose says the whole family is ‘heartbroken beyond words’.

“I promise you when this is all over the celebration of your life party will be out of this world,” Ellen-Rose said. “Everyone in purple, your favourite colour, with your favourite songs on.

“I’m so thankful even though we couldn’t be with you we all got to speak to you and tell you how much we loved you and you said it back. My chest is tight my heart hurts so much. I really didn’t think this was your time yet.”

Ellen-Rose added: “Thank you nan from the bottom of my heart for being so strong through everything. We love you.

“Now go do your hair, put your lipstick on, spray Red Door perfume and have a double whisky up there with everyone. I know you’ll be watching over us all every single day until we all meet again one day.”

Mavis’ funeral will be held on May 15 and the family has set up a GoFundMe page here in aid of the British Heart Foundation and the NHS in lieu of flowers.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “Our sincere condolences go out to Ellen-Rose and the rest of Mavis’ family at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them all, particularly so given that current circumstances deny them the comfort and closure of a proper funeral.

“This makes such a thoughtful and selfless gesture all the more incredible and we hope that the care Mavis received at the Royal and the goodwill and kind words of others helps to provide the support they need at this time.”

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