‘She is 35, unvaccinated and in a coffin’ - Dad’s jab call after mum who caught Covid while pregnant dies days after giving birth to baby girl

A heartbroken husband who lost his heavily pregnant wife to Covid-19 is now urging others to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Mother-of-four Samantha Willis, from Derry in Northern Ireland, contracted Covid while pregnant, and died shortly after giving birth to a baby girl.

Her husband Josh Willis said in an emotional post on Facebook that Samantha had put up a “strong fight” in Altnagelvin Hospital before passing away.

On Twitter, he urged those who are unvaccinated to get their Covid jabs as he said: “I spent hours in ICU on Thur/Friday with my wife who passed away. It’s real, the numbers are real. Get your vaccine so you or your family don’t have to go through what I have had to. As I write this I am laying beside her, she is 35, unvaccinated and in a coffin. Let that sink in!”

Josh described Samantha as his “queen” and the “love of my life”, while family called her a “wonderful, loving and caring person”.

“Today has been the worst day of my life. I have lost the love of my life Samantha to Covid-19. Samantha had put up a strong fight for the last 16 days,” Josh said.

“Myself, her mother and two eldest children were by her side. She was in no pain and was comfortable when she slipped away.

‘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 Evie Grace will know all about the mother she will never meet.”

‘This page will help Josh and the children in the tough times ahead’

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family and has already raised more than £4,500.

In a post, organiser Sara McCaul wrote: “Samantha developed Covid-19 while heavily pregnant. Tragically, after giving birth to her beautiful baby daughter she passed away two weeks later.

“She was only 35 years old and had no underlying health conditions. Family and friends have been left devastated by her sudden passing at what should be a joyous occasion to celebrate. Anyone who knew Samantha would agree she had a heart of gold.

“She was always looking out for other people and was much loved in her role as a carer. She leaves behind her husband Josh, son Shea and daughters Holly, Lilyanna, and little Evie-Grace. She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends.

“So many of us are feeling helpless at the moment and hopefully, this page will help Josh and the children in the tough times ahead.”

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