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Tributes have been paid to a “fabulous” senior NHS nurse in London who has died after contracting coronavirus.
Sara Trollope, 51, a long-standing matron for adult mental health services at Hillingdon hospital, was described by colleagues as an “incredibly rare gift to humanity”.
The mother of four, who was a year away from retiring, was among three more NHS workers announced on Saturday to have fallen to Covid-19, bringing the total to 19.
In a statement, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust said Sara “worked tirelessly with dedication, commitment and passion” for patients in a “long and successful” career.
“There has been an outpouring of love for Sara today in response to the terribly sad news,” the trust added.
“Sara’s husband Gary spoke of her devotion to her family. She will be dearly missed by Gary, daughters Gemma and Freya and her twin sons Kyle and Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sara’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
A crowdfunder set up on Saturday by her friends Tracy Woods and Marie Wright to help her family has already raised £3,800.
They wrote: “This wonderful woman only ever wanted to become a nurse, she fulfilled this desire and worked hard… Sadly it was this job that cost her, her life. She fought this bravely for 7 days until it became to [sic] much for her and she passed peacefully.”
Dr Paul Hopper, medical director for the trust, said: “Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients.
“She knew every little detail, she talked in her understated way about how she’d solved problems, and she had total conviction that the improvements really mattered to patients – even though they couldn’t express it themselves. She was an example to every one of us.”
Colleague Chris Wilson said: “I’m devastated to have lost such a fabulous colleague. Sara was an incredible rare gift to humanity and I’ll miss her. Love to all family and those who knew her.”
Another colleague, Jordi Serra-Mestres, added: “We will miss her kindness to all and her absolute dedication, and above all, her friendship. Thoughts with her family and team. RIP.”
