Coronavirus: Daughter’s touching tribute after mum passes away days after Covid-19 diagnosis

The grieving daughter of Northern Ireland’s seventh coronavirus fatality has issued an emotional plea for people to ‘wise up’ and observe social distancing and only go out when they ‘really have to’.
Linda Wilson with her daughter Carol.Linda Wilson with her daughter Carol.
Linda Wilson with her daughter Carol.

Linda Wilson (64) passed away this morning (Wednesday, March 25) in Belfast’s Mater Hospital.

Her daughter Carol Palmer (45) revealed it’s the third tragedy to hit the family this week.

It was also revealed Linda Wilson was admitted to the hospital on Mother’s Day.

She had suffered ill health for a number of years.

Her daughter Carol, said: “Mum had lived in Wheatfield nursing home in Belfast for years.

“She was originally from Greenisland, but had complex mental health issues and could no longer look after herself.

“I was taken off her when I was four. My brothers and sisters were also taken into care, but we all stayed in touch.

“Mum had been in the Mater Hospital a couple of weeks ago for pneumonia before going back to Wheatfield. She was then admitted back into the hospital on Sunday and tested positive for the coronavirus that day.

“We got the news this morning that she had passed away and it has not hit me yet.”

In what has been a heartbreaking week for Carol and her family due to her mother’s condition, they are also mourning the deaths of two other family members.

Carol explained: “My Granny is in her 80s. It has been a terrible week for her. She has lost her daughter, her brother-in-law and another family member to a heart attack.

“I want to thank the staff at Wheatfield who have cared for mum over the years and the nurses at the Mater who assisted her in her final days.

“My partner works at Tesco at the Abbey Centre. They have been really understanding and have let him take time off work to support me. I want to thank everyone who has sent us condolences too. It means a lot.”

Issuing an emotional plea, Carol added: “People need to wise up. This illness needs to be taken seriously by everyone. Observe social distancing, wash your hands and only go out when you really have to.”