Kentish Express Ashford & District
Mum’s Covid death just weeks after starting dream NHS job
A young mum-of-three who “would do anything for anyone” has died of coronavirus aged 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 at the William Harvey Hospital.
Ms Trott began working at the Kennington Road site 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.
“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.
Earlier this week, Rebecca Jay launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for Ms Trott’s family.
On the GoFundMe page, she wrote: “We have started this as a way to give some support for Rachel’s family after her heartbreaking death from Covid-19.
“Rachel has left behind her partner and three beautiful children.
“We are hoping to raise some money to enable Finn to be able to spend time with the children, take them for some days out, and just to generally make things a little easier as much as we can.
“Rachel had a lot of friends and we know you are all devastated - this is something we can all do to help Finn and Rachel’s family at this devastating time.
“Rachel died helping others, working for the NHS.
“Let’s honour her in the only way we can, by making the next few months a little easier for her family and children.
“A big thank you to Sharon Harris for the idea.”
When the Kentish Express went to press, more than £2,900 had already been raised.
Ms Jay has set a fundraising target of £5,000.
To donate, visit bit. ly/38DTLfQ