A young mum-of-three who "would do anything for anyone" has died of coronavirus aged just 36 just three months after starting her dream job with the NHS.

Tragically, Rachel Trott contracted Covid-19 while working on the frontline of the pandemic as a healthcare assistant in Ashford.

Ms Trott began working at the William Harvey Hospital in October. She passed away at her mum's house on New Year's Eve.

She leaves behind her partner Finn Carmody, and her three young children Charlie, nine, Lily, six, and Willow, 20 months.

Mr Carmody said: "Rachel was an amazing person, who would do anything for anyone, and always put other people first.

"She had so many friends and I have been overwhelmed by the support from everyone who loved her."

Ms Trott, who lived in the Repton Park area of town, had been working as part of the Channel Day Surgery team, a job that her partner said she was born to do.

He explained: "She had always wanted to work for the NHS. It was in her family; her grandad was a paramedic and her aunt is a district nurse.

“She loved it, she soaked it all in and she made friends there very quickly."

Her family said working at the trust was where Rachel wanted to be, adding: “Rachel had found her vocation in life joining the Channel Day team.

“We saw a small flame developing and, if God had allowed, we are sure she would have been a credit to the NHS by doing what she did best and helping and putting others first.”

Susan Acott, chief executive of the East Kent Hospitals Trust which runs the William Harvey, said Ms Trott was a valued member of the team.

'She was a lovely girl who will be greatly missed...'

"Rachel’s commitment to her role was clear," she added. "And her friendly and reassuring nature made her an instant hit with patients as well as staff.

“We all feel her loss deeply, especially of course her colleagues in Channel Day Surgery who are devastated by her death.

“Our condolences go to her children, her partner and everyone who loved her."

Lyn Marshall, Ms Trott's ward manager, said: “Rachel had only been with us for a short time but had made an impact on many of us with her lovely caring nature and warm personality.

“This was her first job in the NHS and she was very excited to learn the skills needed to become a healthcare assistant.

“She was a lovely girl who will be greatly missed by the Channel Day Surgery Team.”

Her family are still planning her funeral, which will have limited numbers because of the pandemic.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford