Lord of the Dance
Irish mother who caught Covid-19 while pregnant dies after giving birth
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Irish mother who caught Covid-19 while pregnant dies after giving birth

THE HUSBAND of a Northern Irish woman who died after catching coronavirus while she was pregnant has paid tribute to his "superhero" wife.

Samantha Willis, 35, passed away at Altnagelvin Hospital on Friday, just a few days after giving birth to her daughter Eviegrace.

She had been diagnosed with Covid-19 just two weeks earlier, but managed to miraculously deliver her baby safely despite being severely ill.

Tragically, Samantha died before she got to properly hold her baby.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, her husband Josh revealed that she "slipped away" while he, their two eldest children Holly and Shea, and Samantha's mother were by her bedside.

"Today has been the worst day of my life. I have lost the love of my life Samantha to Covid-19," Josh wrote.

"Samantha had put up a strong fight for the last 16 days but in the end just wasn’t enough. She was in no pain and was comfortable when she slipped away.

"She did her best to come home to her family and beautiful children.

"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."

He finished by saying: "I will never stop loving you and we will do our best to make you proud until we see you again. Sleep tight my Queen. Love you."

Josh also thanked the members of staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, describing them as "wonderful people", adding that he will never forget what they had done for Samantha and for his family.