Tributes have been paid to a Southport Hospital nurse who died from Covid-19.
Josephine Peter died at the hospital on Saturday after testing positive for the disease, leaving behind her husband, Thabo Peter, her two children, Bongani and Buhle, a granddaughter, five sisters and one brother.
Her husband described ‘Manini’ as his ‘heroine’.
Southport & Ormskirk NHS Hospitals Trust chief executive Trish Armstrong-Child said: “Josephine’s husband, Thabo, told me she was passionate, hardworking, always putting others before herself. ‘She was ‘my heroine’, he said.
“Our thoughts are with Josephine’s family at this difficult time and we offer them our sincere condolences.”
Dozens of people have since paid their tributes to her, while a fundraising page set up in her memory has raised over £3,000.
Speaking on the Southport Hospital Facebook page, Susan Bolton said: “So, so, sad. Unbelievable. She was a lovely, hard-working, committed nurse to her patients.”
Kirsty Hughes said: “Rest in paradise beautiful soul my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.”
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Karen Caunce said: “So sad she was amazing when I was admitted last year.”
Marie Kenyon said: “So sad condolences to the family and friends of this amazing woman RIP Josephine.”
Sammy Etchells said: “Such a lovely lady, so sad to hear this news, RIP Josephine, thoughts are with your family at this sad time.”
Nikki Brydon said: “So very sad to hear, obviously loved and well respected by her patients and colleagues and I’m sure missed dreadfully by her loving family. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude.”
A Go Fund Me page has now been set up in Josephine’s memory.
Cynthia Charles, who set up the page, said: “In memory of our colleague, friend, wife, mother, grandma, sister whose life was lost as a result of a Covid 19 virus infection probably contracted at work within the NHS.
“Josephine Matseke (Manini) was born and raised in South Africa, Johannesburg, Brakpan Springs.
“Manini leaves behind her husband Thabo Peter who is still residing here in the UK, her two kids, Bongani and Buhle have both returned and are living in South Africa, a granddaughter, five sisters and one brother.
“Her colleagues and South African friends are so shocked and devastated by her sudden and untimely passing. They are humbly appealing for a donation to cover repatriation and funeral costs on behalf of Manini’s family.
“As you give to this course, do remember this, ‘ for it is giving that we receive’, and may your purses and wallets be replenished with more.
“Thanks a million times.”
