Coronavirus: Auxiliary nurse who was still working at 84 dies after contracting COVID-19
Tributes are paid to healthcare worker Margaret Tapley as she is hailed a "champion" and "heroine".
Sunday 19 April 2020 16:23, UK
An 84-year-old auxiliary nurse who was still working despite her age has died after contracting COVID-19.
Margaret Tapley is the latest healthcare worker to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a post on Twitter, Nursing Notes said: "It is with great sadness we announce that Auxiliary Nurse Margaret Tapley has sadly died from COVID-19.
"Despite being 84, Margaret was still working regularly up until her death."
Her grandaughter Hannah Tapley said she was the "strongest woman I've ever met in my life. I considered her as an additional parent and I'd never be able to do anything I have done without her".
She wrote on Facebook: "I am so proud to call her my grandma. She was the most hard-working, caring and perfect woman out there. Devoting her life to others and working for the NHS doing night shifts as a nurse at her age!
"So many people will have such amazing memories of her as she affected so many people's lives in such a positive way.
"One of my many favourites will be how excited she always got when we saw each other and the messages she would send me before every competition to motivate/calm me down."
The tragic news of Margaret Tapley's death saw the 84 year old hailed as a "champion" and "heroine" on social media.
Charlotte Chadderton tweeted: "She was my brother-in-law's grandma and the reason he became a nurse. They are all absolutely heartbroken but incredibly proud."
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Another user, Mrs McCarthy, wrote: "Margaret thank you for your service and sacrifice. Condolences to her family and friends."
Neetha said: "This is what a real heroine is. RIP Margaret."
Nannasview tweeted: "Can't help thinking this nurse should not have still been working as she was in the most vulnerable group. RIP Margaret."
Riccardo Mantio said: "What a champion. I somehow feel a tinge of regret the authorities allowed her to carry on her wonderful duties at that age knowing what we know about covid."
But responding Debsta said: "At her age she would be there because she wanted to."
Michelle Russell wrote: "Bless you Margaret. So many people like this in the NHS who can never quite bring themselves to leave completely. I met plenty in my career who volunteered services long after retirement. Rest in peace."