A former Southampton hospital nurse described as "one of the most caring" has died after several months in ICU.
Filipino nurse Krizella Asuncion, known as Ella, worked at Southampton General Hospital before being diagnosed with sepsis.
The life-threatening condition happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage the body’s tissues and organs.
Her colleagues Beatriz Gomes, 24, and Renalyn Bustamante, 34, launched a fundraiser to help the family of the 33-year-old pay for treatment in her own country after they received a bill of more than two million Filipino pesos, the equivalent of £28,806.
The page raised £15,000 in three days with the total now standing at £23,214.
READ MORE: 'The most caring nurse' left fighting for her life in ICU
An update shared on the GoFundMe page says: “With great sadness, we share the news that our beloved Ella has passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 30.
“Though we haven't achieved our fundraising goal, every generous contribution so far has made a significant impact in easing the burden of the bills.
“Ella is now free from pain, and we are grateful for your continued support during this difficult time.”
Ella moved to the UK in 2021 and worked at Southampton General Hospital’s major trauma unit while financially supporting her parents back home.
Early last year she started to experience pain in her abdomen and episodes of fever.
Over the summer she caught Covid and in September she travelled to the Philippines to see her family for the first time in two years.
There, her health deteriorated and she was admitted to hospital.
She underwent three major surgeries and was moved into intensive care.
Her colleague, Beatriz, previously told the Echo: “Ella was always so happy and so full of energy. She was one of our most caring nurses at UHS and always supported students and other nurses.
"We just want to help her fight this situation and help the family pay for all the medical bills they are being given."
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