Tribute to 'superhero' mum, 35, who died from COVID days after giving birth

A mother who died from COVID just days after giving birth has been called a “superhero” by her grieving husband.

Samantha Willis, 35, from Derry, Northern Ireland, died before she had the chance to hold her newborn daughter Eviegrace.

She died at Altnagelvin Hospital on Friday two weeks after catching coronavirus while pregnant. She had not had a vaccination.

She gave birth to the couple’s third child before passing away surrounded by her family days later.

In a tribute to his wife posted on Facebook, Josh Willis wrote: “I never thought I would be writing something like this for years to come, if ever.

“Today has been the worst day of my life. I have lost the love of my life Samantha to COVID-19.

“Samantha had put up a strong fight for the last 16 days but in the end just wasn’t enough.

“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.”

“She was a wonderful, loving and caring person and she has been our superhero the last few weeks. She is now our guardian angel and she will remain in our hearts and thoughts for ever more.”

In a tweet from his business account, Signed Memorabilia, Mr Willis urged people to get their COVID-19 jab.

“I spent hrs in ICU on Thur/Friday with my wife who passed away,” he wrote.

“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.

“As I write this I am laying beside her, she is 35, unvaccinated and in a coffin. Let that sink in.”

Northern Ireland currently has the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the UK, as well as the highest infection and death rates.

Watch: 89,501,494 Covid jabs given in the UK