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COVID-19: NHS key worker dies from coronavirus just months after qualifying as a nurse

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A frontline NHS worker who qualified as a nurse just a few months ago has died after contracting Covid-19.

Anujkumar Kuttikkottu Pavithran, 44, passed away on Monday, April 27, at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincs, where he worked as a staff nurse.

He continued working despite being diabetic – meaning he was in a category of people the government has deemed “high risk”.

His colleagues said the father-of-two, known as Kumar, qualified as a nurse in autumn 2019 after spending the previous nine years training for the position, LincolnshireLive reports.

Kumar has been described as “passionate about his job” to the point he refused to stay at home during the crisis despite his underlying health conditions.

He was not working in a Covid-19 ward when he contracted the disease.

A fundraising appeal has been set up to support Anuj’s wife and children, who have been left with no income, according to Kumar’s friend Jerry Varghese.

He posted on the page saying: “He (Kumar) was a qualified registered nurse, passionate about his job.

“He was a valuable member of the team and loved by his friends and family equally.

“During the unprecedented Covid crisis, Anuj worked day and night constantly, when he contracted this illness.

“Currently his wife, two children and family are left without income.

“There is nothing we can do to bring their normality back, but the least we can do is to help with the funeral and family support fund.”

According to Mr Varghese, Kumar’s wife is currently training to be a nurse.

The fundraising page on Facebook has already accumulated more than £43,000.

Since his death on Monday, many people have shared tributes for Kumar – describing him as “dedicated”, “ambitious” and “caring”.

The United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals NHS Trust’s chief executive Andrew Morgan said he was “deeply saddened” by Mr Pavithran’s death.

He added: “He was a very well liked, professional, respected member of the team and will be greatly missed.

“We are all sending our heartfelt condolences to Kumar’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”

More than 100 keyworkers have died after contracting coronavirus while working on the frontline.

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced that families of NHS and social care staff who have died from the virus while battling on the frontline will receive £60,000.


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