AN appeal has been launched to thanks and play tribute to staff at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital's intensive care unit.

Borough residents are being asked to mark the passing of a much-loved woman who died after contracting Covid-19 by donating to a fund to support the intensive care unit staff at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital.

Wendy Morton from Chadwell St Mary was just 57 when she passed away at the hospital recently, despite the best efforts of staff.

Her daughter Aimee has launched an online fundraising appeal not just to pay tribute to her mum, but to thank the staff who she says gave Wendy 'outstanding care' in her last days.

Aimee says: "On 16 January we lost our Mum to Covid-19. She was being looked after by the Basildon ICU staff for just over a week and we couldn't thank them enough for everything they done and tried to do for our mum!

"We are setting this fundraising up in memory of our mum and are looking to provide care packages for the staff who gave her outstanding care all the way to the end in these challenging times.

"Mum was always a women who would do anything to help anyone out and if she had made a full recovery would have been doing plenty to help the staff who cared for her.

"Our mum was unique, she was one in a million, with the biggest personality. She had the most contagious laugh in the world, was always the first one up dancing and didn't have a care in the world. We all have some of the best memories of her that we will cherish forever and ever.

"She has left the biggest hole in everyone's heart! She was the best daughter, mum, nan, sister, auntie and cousin anyone could every ask for.

"She has left behind six children and six beautiful grandchildren. We all love and miss her so much and she will be in our hearts forever and always.

"As a family we would like to say a massive thank you in advance for the contribution local people might make, no matter how big or small."

You can make a donation via this link