The family of an Elm Park woman, who died at Queen's Hospital last year after contracting Covid-19, has made a donation towards children's diabetes care in her memory.

Mum-of-five Frances Nolan, 82, passed away in April and her daughter Julie Nolan-Day described her as “the life and soul of Elm Park”.

As a thank you for the care Frances received, her family decided they wanted to give something back.

Instead of having flowers at the funeral, Julie said they chose a collection which they used to buy items that provide support for parents of children with diabetes.

They raised more than £300, including donations by mothers of children at Upminster Rugby Club, where Julie's son Jude plays for the under-14s, and his school.

The family was able to buy books, food weighing scales and insulin pump pouches, which were all delivered to King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity.

Jude, 13, was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was eight and was supported by the children's diabetes team at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Julie, from Hornchurch, said: “Mum had been so impressed with the children’s diabetes team and how they would call to check on Jude. They became like part of our family. She came to every hospital appointment with us.”

Frances had worked as a carer and also helped out at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Hornchurch.

She was also “extremely involved” with St Alban Church in Elm Park, Julie said, and ran a club for pensioners there.

During her hospital stay, staff allowed Julie’s sister Ann to be by Frances' bedside in spite of a suspension on visitors.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve heard so many numbers – we need to remember there are people behind those stats," Julie added.

"The staff who cared for mum were wonderful and told us lovely things about her too, that she was always talking about her family and had a smile right up to the end.

"Mum would be so proud. She was so caring that we know she’d be really happy to know we were helping other children like Jude. It’s also important to us that she’s remembered."