An NHS worker who went ‘above and beyond’ to help others during the pandemic has died just a week after testing positive for Covid-19.

Val Stimson from Birchington worked as a receptionist in the outpatients department at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Her colleagues say she was so motivated to help others, more recently she started helping with traffic management for the Covid testing team and handing out masks while encouraging people to wash their hands.

The 62-year-old leaves behind daughters Tina and Kelly, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Paying tribute to her mother, Tina Bass said: “Mum was passionate about working for the NHS, and really liked the fact she could help people.

“She was strong-minded until the end and didn’t let on how ill she was.

“We were so proud of her. She made me as strong as she was.

"She was outspoken but we loved her for it, and we took it for granted that she would always be there.”

Val was devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, although the pandemic meant she had not been able to spend as much time with them as she would have liked.

Tina added: “She was not a conventional gran but she was a fantastic one and she really loved the children.

“She cared so much about other people; she was always worrying about her neighbour, and had a real drive to help people.

“We are heartbroken - she has left a big hole in our family that can never be filled.”

Val, who joined East Kent Hospital Trust in 2018 after working in banking, died at home on Tuesday after testing positive for coronavirus the previous week.

She lived alone but had been in close contact with her family and colleagues, who had dropped off food parcels and care packages.

Chief executive at the hospital trust, Susan Acott, said: “We are all deeply saddened to lose one of our trust family and our heartfelt condolences go to Val’s family, friends and colleagues.

“She truly went above and beyond to support her team, the wider trust and our patients, and was quick to volunteer when there was a task that needed doing.

“Val was a real character who will never be forgotten and she will be remembered for her dedication and absolute commitment to helping our patients and her team.”

Cathy Brett, outpatient services hub manager, said: “Val was a very valued, very loved member of the team.

“She was a friend to everyone and cared about all the people she came into contact with.

“She is going to leave such a gaping hole in the team and we will miss the many kindnesses she showed us all.”

Val’s funeral is yet to be arranged.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet