NHS workers on the frontlines of the fight against coronavirus in Worcestershire bravely put their lives at risk to save others.

To show our appreciation, every Thursday at 8pm for 10 weeks during lockdown, people across the county joined the national 'Clap for our Carers'.

There has, of course, been much sad news throughout the coronavirus crisis, including that several hardworking and dedicated NHS workers in Worcestershire died while fighting the disease.

On April 10, the news was announced that Julie Omar, a nurse from Malvern, had died while self-isolating at home.

52 year-old Mrs Omar had been working as a sister on Ward 14 at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, and had also worked at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the past. She had been self isolating with coronavirus symptoms when she died.

Following this came the sad news that a much-loved consultant, Dr Vishna Rasiah, had died from coronavirus at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Dr Rasiah’s wife Liza said: “We’re devastated at losing our beloved Vish. He was such a loving husband and father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn, and much loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad.

“I would like to thank the staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for the kindness, compassion and the care that they have provided to us over an incredibly difficult past few weeks.”

Dr Rasiah, who worked at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, operated as the “clinical lead” for regional neonatal work.

The trust said he was “highly regarded” in the Midlands and was a friend and ambassador to the Libby Mae’s Angels charity, which raises money for vital equipment in hospitals.

On April 25, nurse Jodon Gait died from coronavirus. The 46 year-olde had been caring for Worcester people for more than 15 years.

There was a guard of honour for Jodon at his funeral at the Vale Crematorium in Pershore.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said at the time of his death: “Jodon was a dedicated and highly experienced health care assistant who had been with us for just over 12 months, working on the Medical Short Stay Unit at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“Colleagues who worked most closely with him describe Jodon as a dedicated, passionate, caring colleague, a quirky character who always put patients at the centre of everything he did, delivering fantastic quality of care to his patients and who had a great sense of humour who will be massively missed by all of the team.”

Carers across the county also played a huge part in the battle to save people from Covid-19.

Elaine Carolan, interim strategic director of people at Worcestershire County Council, said its care staff are putting in a huge effort to ensure the safety of people who are in receipt of adult social care.

“Staff are working creatively and at pace to provide care for some of the most vulnerable people in the county, and the desire that they’re showing to help others at this difficult time is testament to their dedication,” she said.

“Staff are going above and beyond each day and we’ve seen examples of paid carers voluntarily providing 24 hour care to residents, ensuring much needed support whilst helping to shield the most vulnerable from the Covid-19 virus.

“Other examples, include food parcels being delivered by former carers and staff and support is being offered to other organisations to help with their staffing shortages.

“These are certainly difficult times and I’d like to say a huge thank you to our staff who are supporting our vulnerable residents, keep up the good work.”

In the Worcester News, we ran several 'Day in the Life' features speaking to care workers about their daily life during coronavirus. Some, like Rachel Rainsford, were working from 5am until 10pm each day, looking after the elderly and vulnerable in the community. She said: “It is a difficult time at the moment to be a caregiver, I am so grateful to everyone in my team for their constant support, it gives me the strength I need to get up and do it all over again.”