The family of a nurse who died from coronavirus at Lewisham University Hospital, where she also worked, has donated £4,550 to the Trust's charity in her memory. 

Grace Kungwengwe, a mother of two, passed away in April, having carried out her duties until she tested positive for the illness.

The fundraising effort was organised by Grace’s son Kuda Sekani, who carried out a special “mile-a-thon”, completing as many miles as possible walking, running or cycling during a week in June, managing 469.37 miles in total. 

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Kuda said: “My family was overwhelmed with the support that staff at the Trust showed us on our mother’s final resting day, we couldn’t have imagined how many people would come out to send her off.

“My family and colleagues raised money as a tribute to mum and as a thank you to all staff for the care they gave her when she was ill with Covid-19.”

A much-loved and valued member of staff, Grace’s funeral procession passed through the hospital grounds in May.

Hundreds of staff lined the route to pay their respects, singing Amazing Grace as the convoy passed by.

The cheque was presented by Kuda and his brother Ngoni Kademaunga, along with Grace’s sister Tarisai Kungwengwe.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust's charity, Chief Executive Ben Travis said: “I’d like to thank Kuda, Ngoni, Tarisai and everyone at Barclays for this amazing fundraising.

“It’s especially poignant to us as it is given in memory of Grace, and the fact that so many colleagues came out to pay their final respects was a measure of the high regard in which she was held here. 

"She is sorely missed.”