Trainee nurse and 'devoted' mum dies from coronavirus

A trainee nurse who was caring for others during the pandemic has passed away from coronavirus leaving behind two young children.

Naggayi Angella, known as Grace, died on Monday, January 25, having been in a coma for two weeks.

Originally from Uganda, the 42-year-old was studying mental health nursing at Edinburgh Napier University and worked part-time in social care.

Her children Annmarie, 12, and John, eight, paid tribute to their mum on a fundraiser set up by a woman’s shelter supporting their care.

Annmarie said: “In life, we love you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one will ever fill.”

John said: “Mummy was a nice caring person who loved me so much.”

Naggayi Angella and her two children, Annmarie, 12, and John, 8. UbuntuWomenShelter/Facebook.

Angella left her children in the care of a close friend before she fell ill.

The friend contacted a Glasgow charity, Ubuntu Women Shelter, which has been supporting her as she cares for Angella’s children.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are continuing to support her and the children through this difficult time.

“We have also been in constant communication with Angella’s family, her church groups and the Ugandan community in Glasgow, London, Ireland and Canada to develop the GoFundMe page and arrange how the funds can be used in the best interest of the children.”

The fundraiser, which was received over £20k in donations, will be used to cover the repatriation of Angella’s body to Uganda with the remaining funds transferred to a trust fund for her children.

Angella was working for Community Integrated Care in Glasgow.

She was also an active community member of St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Parkhead.

Prof Austyn Snowden, Angella’s personal development tutor at Edinburgh Napier, said: “Angella was diligent, hardworking and tried her best at all times.

“I found her to be polite and self-deprecating but with a great sense of humour and, while clearly juggling many different priorities, she really wanted to be a nurse.

“I know she had a very strong faith too. We will miss her.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.