Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a loving mother and hospital worker who lost her battle with Covid-19.

Felicity Siyachitema, 51, from Southend who worked as a switchboard operator at University College Hospital in London, died after battling the virus.

Her family have paid kind tributes to her on social media and have more than $5,000 to take her back to a final resting place in her native Zimbabwe.

Her niece Barbara Siyachitema‎ posted on Facebook: “Dear Friends and family; on April 21 we lost our beautiful, caring dear aunt, mother, sister, friend Felicity Siyachitema who worked for the NHS in London, to Covid-19 complications.

"My aunt lived alone in the UK and is survived by two sons who are both abroad and the immediate majority of the family is back in Zimbabwe.

"Her eldest son Tapiwa Nyatoro is based in Canada. Please kindly donate to assist with funeral costs and sending her ashes to Zimbabwe for a befitting burial with her family. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

The family launched an online funding page for the mum’s final journey.

To donate, please click here.