Advertisement

Nurse, 66, who died from coronavirus fell ill three days before retirement

Nurse Janice Glassey fell ill with coronavirus just three days before she was to retire. (BPM Media)
Nurse Janice Glassey fell ill with coronavirus just three days before she was to retire. (BPM Media)

A nurse who “gave her life” to the NHS has died from coronavirus – after she fell ill just three days before she was due to retire.

Janice Glassey, 66, worked as a dedicated nurse for 14 years looking after people receiving end-of-life care and died one month after she tested positive for the illness.

The mum-of-three, from Widnes, Cheshire, was engaged to be married and was known for the passion she showed to her job, according to friends.

Her death has left those who knew her absolutely devastated, while hundreds have flooded social media with tributes.

Janice Glassey (centre, bottom) died one month after testing positive for coronavirus. (BPM Media)
Janice Glassey (centre, bottom) died one month after testing positive for coronavirus. (BPM Media)

Sheila Sheerin said: "This woman has spent her life saving and caring for the ill, then this happens.

"Just before she should be retiring and spending her life relaxing and going on holidays.

"It is heartbreaking."

Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice

Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world

Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area

6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading

Emma Gothard added: "She’s given all her life and saved people and this is what happens.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Trevor Trow said: "Horrible news again. All her life given to save people and this happens.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. RIP special lady."

Glassey, who was described by her bosses as "valued", went into Whiston Hospital, Merseyside, at the start of the month and spent about a week on a ventilator in intensive care.

The frontline worker was transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, where she battled the virus for a fortnight before dying on 24 April.

Her heartbroken daughter Kerri travelled up from her home in London to Widnes be with her mum after signs of the virus became apparent.

She told the Liverpool Echo: "We are heartbroken, mum was completely healthy.

"She was a bag of fun and used to love going shopping and for cocktails in Liverpool with her daughters and granddaughters.

"She just wanted to live life and was so loving and giving."

Coronavirus: what happened today

Click here to sign up to the latest news, advice and information with our daily Catch-up newsletter