Tributes have been paid to a “gentle, caring and kind-hearted” care worker who lost her life following a battle with coronavirus.
Sonya Kaygan, who was 26, died on Friday (April 17) after suffering from Covid-19, leaving behind a three-year-old daughter.
Ms Kaygan cared for residents at Elizabeth Lodge Care Home in Pennington Drive, Winchmore Hill.
A fundraiser set up by relatives to help pay for her funeral costs and care for her daughter has so far raised more than £12,000.
Writing on the Go Fund Me page, cousin Sherrihan Afifi described Ms Kaygan as “a gentle, caring and kind-hearted soul” who “gave her life to protecting and caring for the most vulnerable”.
She added: “Sonya was a single parent and leaves behind her three-year-old daughter. Sonya’s mother Ayse is taking care of her grandchild now, while also deeply hurting from the loss of her daughter.
“Please let’s get together and help support Sonya and her family during this time of grief. The money raised will go a long way in making life more bearable after experiencing this unexpected tragedy.”
In a Twitter post, Enfield Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan described Ms Kaygan’s death as “incredibly sad” and said she had spoken to her family to convey her “deepest condolences”.
News of Sonja’s death is incredibly sad, age only 26. She was a care worker in an #Enfield care home, looking after our most vulnerable residents. I’ve spoken to Sonja’s family this evening to convey my deepest condolences. I am thinking of her 3 year old daughter tonight, Ayse. https://t.co/9cMGbUpCWj
— Nesil Caliskan (@Nesil_Caliskan) April 17, 2020
Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Everyone at Enfield Council is devastated to have heard the tragic news of Sonja Kaygan, who died of Covid-19 on Friday 17 April, leaving a young child.
“She worked at Elizabeth Lodge Care Home with some of Enfield’s most vulnerable residents, and I understand she was a valued carer and a loved colleague and friend to all who worked with her. I know she will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this terrible time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is involved in providing personal care during the coronavirus crisis for their dedication, selflessness and commitment.”
The Go Fund Me page set up by Ms Kaygan’s family is available here.
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