‘Cheerful, hardworking and kind’ nurse dies of COVID-19
Colleagues pay tribute to Chris Buckingham who ‘truly reflected the core values of nursing’
Tributes have been paid to a nurse who died after testing positive for COVID-19.
Chris Buckingham, 60, worked in the continuing healthcare team at North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Employer pays tribute to ‘highly regarded’ team member
North Cumbria CCG director of nursing and quality Louise Mason-Lodge said: ‘Chris was highly regarded by his team and by those that came into contact with him.
‘He was a cheerful, hardworking and kind man who cared about the individuals he worked with.
‘He was always first to volunteer to support his colleagues when needed. Chris truly reflected the core values of nursing and I was proud to have known him.
‘Our nursing and quality team, and the continuing healthcare team, are devastated by the news, and our wider CCG will feel his loss deeply.’
Mr Buckingham died ‘while doing his duty and giving his time to others’
In a family statement, his partner Louise and brothers Craig and Duncan said: ‘It is sad that Chris contracted COVID-19, but so typical that he did so while doing his duty and giving his time and effort to others, which he did through his nursing, as well as his work with the Royal Army Medical Corps and, previously, Swaledale Mountain Rescue.’
Mr Buckingham began his nursing career in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and previously worked in accident and emergency departments at Cumberland Infirmary, Keswick Community Hospital and Scarborough Hospital.
Family says donations to charity would be welcome
Tributes were also paid by friends and colleagues in Swaledale Mountain Rescue and walking group the Wainwright Society.
His family has asked for donations in Mr Buckingham’s memory to be made to the Nenthead Mines Conservation Society.
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