Heartbreaking photos show a newborn baby being carried behind the coffin of her mum who died from Covid-19 shortly after giving birth.
Tragic pictures show a newborn baby being carried behind the coffin of her mum who died from Covid-19 shortly after giving birth.
Samantha Willis, 35, from Northern Ireland, died on Friday in hospital shortly after delivering baby Eviegrace, her husband Josh Willis said.
On Monday, her loved ones followed her coffin as it made its way into St Columb’s Church, Londonderry, for a private funeral, The Sun reports.
The mum had contracted Covid-19 while pregnant but “put up a strong fight” against the virus for 16 days before her death.
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Josh, who said goodbye to Samantha with their two older children and her mother, later revealed the “love of his life” was unvaccinated.
Josh urged others to get the jab, writing on Twitter: “As I write this I am laying beside her, she is 35, unvaccinated and in a coffin. Let that sink in!”
He added: “I spent hours in ICU on Thursday/Friday with my wife who passed away.
“It’s real, the numbers are real. Get your vaccine so you or your family don’t have to go through what I have had to.’
He took to Facebook to share a heartbreaking tribute to the “wonderful, loving and caring” mum who is now the family’s “guardian angel”.
Josh said: “Today has been the worst day of my life. I have lost the love of my life Samantha to Covid-19.
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‘Superhero’ mum
“Samantha had put up a strong fight for the last 16 days but in the end just wasn’t enough.
“Myself, her mother and two eldest children were by her side. She was in no pain and was comfortable when she slipped away.
“Whilst in hospital she also had to deliver our newest addition to the family who she has never met properly or held in her arms.
“I will make sure that Eviegrace will know all about the mother she will never meet.
“I will never let anyone forget you and I will remember all the special times and experiences we shared together.”
He continued: “I’m sure she’s already looking down and proud of how we are coping.
“We are also proud of her, she was a wonderful, loving and caring person and she has been our superhero the last few weeks.
‘Guardian angel’
Josh added: “She is now our guardian angel and she will remain in our hearts and thoughts for ever more.
“We love you loads and miss you. We wish we could only have helped you get home to live the rest of your life with us.
“I will never stop loving you and we will do our best to make you proud until we see you again. Sleep tight my Queen. Love you.”
Josh also thanked the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, where Samantha was treated, and said: “You are all truly wonderful people and I will never forget what you have done for Samantha and our family.”
Samantha leaves behind her husband Josh, her four children Shéa, Holly, Lilyanna and Eviegrace, her parents and extended family.
‘Taken too soon’
As news spread of the mother’s tragic death, thousands more condolences and tributes were paid online.
One said: “There are no words that can express the profound sadness of this.”
Another said: “So, so sad, absolutely heartbreaking and devastating for all the family. A beautiful lady taken too soon, RIP. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
A third added: “This has made my heart stop for a second. Sending every single person love.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission