A NURSE who died of coronavirus has been described as a “wonderful and caring” person by the mother of a young cancer survivor she spent years caring for.

Rebecca Mack, from Morpeth, died on Sunday, April 5. The 29-year-old had no underlying health conditions.

She was found dead by paramedics after calling for an ambulance and leaving her door open. Tests later confirmed she had contracted the virus.

Rebecca previously worked on the children’s cancer unit at the RVI, where she cared for Kian Musgrove, from Prudhoe, while he battled neuroblastoma.

Kian’s mum, Kat, described Rebecca as a wonderful person and a caring nurse.

She said: “Rebecca was a lovely nurse. She cared for Kian for years. We first met her when he was 18 months old. She cared a lot and enjoyed helping people.

“It’s devastating, its still really hard to believe – every time I see pictures of her it’s heartbreaking.

“She cared for the children, she really genuinely did, and she wanted to help – she wasn’t just doing her job. She was always really happy and bubbly and really cheerful. She made you feel comfortable and happy and supported even though you were going through such a horrific time.

“She was really wonderful.”

Rebecca left the RVI several months ago to work as a nurse with the NHS 111 service.

Newcastle Hospital Trust moved to reassure patients currently receiving treatment that it was still safe to do so, while also paying tribute to its former colleague.

A spokesman for the trust said: “We are aware of the sad news that a nurse, who previously worked in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, has died after contracting coronavirus and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“The team would like to send their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to their former colleague.”

A justgiving page raising money for wards 4 and 14 at the RVI has been set up in Rebecca’s name at justgiving.com/fundraising/marion-mack-jouvenaz.