‘Covid isn’t a joke’: family’s desperate plea as mum-of-three dies aged 31 before having second jab

A 31-year-old woman who was the “heart of the community” has died after a two-week battle with Covid. 

Katie Gill was taken to Arrowe Park hospital earlier this month while suffering from  breathing difficulties.

She had tested positive for Covid and was trying to manage her symptoms at home before her condition deteriorated.  

Katie was then in hospital for ten days before the  mum-of-three, who lived in Moreton, Liverpool, died on August 14.

Katie, who was a full time mum and arts and crafts lover, has also left behind her devastated husband, family and friends.

‘Covid isn’t a joke’

Mia Ferns has set up a fundraising page to support Katie’s family during their grief.

She said: “As you all know Katie was the heart of the community in the north end, everyone knew her for her kind acts towards others and always helping charities such as cancer. 

“Katie unfortunately passed away recently leaving her husband and 3 young children, this has devastated the whole community. 

“As you all know Katie recently passed away due to Covid. This wasn’t related to any underlying issues, this is the effect of Covid, with even having the Covid jab. 

“Covid isn’t a joke. Katie thought the world of her family and we would like to support her family during these devastating times, rest in peace Katie you will be sadly missed.”

‘Be aware and get your jabs’

Katie’s best friend Karen Rotherham told the Liverpool Echo that she was very Covid safe and took precautions to protect her young family.

She said Katie’s family and friends want people to realise the danger of Covid - and that it is still present in daily life.

She told the newspaper: "I think that’s what people don’t understand.

"Okay, we’re out of lockdown and we’re getting back to the new normal but Covid’s still there.

"It doesn’t have an age, some people recover, some people don’t but everyone should be aware.

"Although you can do a lot of things now, you still need to be aware and get your jabs.

"Katie was due to get her second one this month. She took her first jab to protect herself and her family."

Karen says Katie’s family "don’t want any other families to go through what they have.”

As of 24 August, the fundraising page, also in support of Katie’s funeral, has raised £1,410. You can donate by clicking here.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.