LINE OF DUTY

The Daily Express pays tribute to dedicated public servants who have lost their lives to Covid-19 while bravely going about their work helping others

ELMA CAVALIDA Maternity assistant Died April 26, 2020, aged 49

QUALIFIED midwife Elma Cavalida was so dedicated to her Northwick Park Hospital job she continued working despite a breast cancer diagnosis in February.

From Manila, Philippines, she came to the UK a decade ago in search of a better life for her and her three children.

Her husband Vikas Deshwal, described her as a “bubbly, caring and kind-spirited woman”.

Ms Cavalida had been told by doctors her cancer was curable if she underwent 18 months of treatment. She had planned to start her chemotherapy on March 26.

Paying tribute to her, Chris Bown, Chief Executive for London North West University Healthcare, and Lisa Knight, Chief Nurse, said: “Those who knew her well describe how she welcomed everyone who came into the unit with a smile.

“She’d do everything in her power to help others – nothing was ever too much trouble.”

She is survived by her husband and children Joshua, 25, Harvey, 26, and Alaine, 13.

MARK STANLEY Paramedic Died April 30, aged 57

FORMER Life Guards serviceman Mark Stanley spent 30 years as a paramedic and was a devoted family man to his wife and two children.

He lived in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire and was stationed at Halifax Ambulance Station.

Fellow paramedic Mark Rattigan described his friend as “decent and dedicated”, a fitness enthusiast who was taken by Covid-19 in a week.

“He used to do open water swimming, he cycled everywhere, he didn’t smoke, he drank infrequently, he looked after himself.

“When we were all having fish and chips he would be having a salad and nuts.

“He was as fit as you can get for a 57-year-old.”

Mr Stanley died in Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax.