Milton Keynes community mourns dedicated 55-year-old NHS nurse who has died with coronavirus

Mother of five Zauma Ekoli, 55, lived in Milton Keynes for 12 years and worked at MK Hospital.

She and her family moved up north in 2015 and Zauma worked as an agency nurse at hospitals in Leeds and Harrogate hospital.

Zauma, 55, who was known to friends as Josie, was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary on Tuesday last week after falling ill several days before that.

Sadly she died on Easter Monday.

The district's NHS Trust has paid tribute to her outstanding contribution and dedication.

Chief nurse at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Jill Foster, said: "Zauma was a much-valued agency nurse who has worked with the Trust for the past two years. She worked a range of shifts in a number of wards and departments.

Zauma's former Milton Keynes neighbours in Leadenhall are in shock over her death and are unable to even attend the funeral due to lockdown restrictions.

Her children Naomi, Kenan, Aaron, Aalijah and Jean Claude Jr all went to local schools and still have friends in MK.

They have paid tribute to their mum, saying she was "God-fearing, strong, beautiful and caring”.

They said: "She dedicated her whole life to helping others whether it was in the hospital she worked or in her private life. She was able to work 4/5 nights a week as a nurse whilst being a prominent figure for her children plus countless others.

"Our mother had the most beautiful smile and lit up any room she walked in. And when she decided to go out and enjoy herself, she came dressed so elegantly.

"Our mother showcased her faith, love and selflessness in every aspect of her life and this can be shown through the stories by the people she encountered throughout her life. We all love her so much and it can’t be put into words how much we miss her."