Mary Idowu, sister of the dead Nigerian nurse in London, Esther Akinsanya, has been placed on a ventilator after contracting the coronavirus.
The pair lived together and worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. They were rushed to the hospital within hours of each other two weeks ago.
While Akinsanya died of the deadly disease on April 15 four days after being admitted, her 61-year-old sister is fighting for life in intensive care.
The deceased’s 26-year-old son, Samuel, who lived with his mother and aunt in Thamesmead, said: “We are heartbroken. My mother lit up a room when she walked in, it was impossible not to like her.”
Mr Akinsanya, who has a younger sister and a three-year-old son, said his mother and aunt were convinced they were infected in the line of duty.
“They are tough women they didn’t mention the dangers they just got on with their jobs. They both tested positive and are convinced they got it at work. These heroes like my mum and aunt need to be protected. It’s just not good enough that people on the front line are dying like this,” he said.
Mr Akinsanya also said his aunt has a heart condition and diabetes.
“She is responding they have lowered the sedation. She is still fighting,” he said.
The UK government says the outbreak has so far killed 69 NHS workers and 15 care workers.
