A FAMILY have paid loving tributes to their ‘rock’ of a mum after she died from coronavirus – as they aim to raise funds for the hospital unit that cared for her.

Colette Mullen, from Catrine passed away peacefully at Crosshouse Hospital on Friday, April 10 after she was admitted to hospital with symptoms of Covid-19, she was just 48.

Cumnock Chronicle:

Devoted husband Neil has led tributes to his beloved wife, Colette who was his childhood sweetheart.

He told the Chronicle: “Colette was an absolute rock, the most amazing mother that my children could ever ask for and a wonderful wife.”

The couple grew up on the same street, meeting when then they were 10 years old.

They married in 1992 and have four children, twins Rebecca and Celine, 20, Chelsea, 24 and son Liam 28. The family have praised all the staff at the Intensive Care Unit who did everything they could for Colette.

The doctors and nurses communicated using video calls that have been set up at the unit so the family could tell Colette how loved she was in her final days.

A Just Giving fundraiser has been set up to help raise funds to support the unit, so more families can have the opportunity to stay in touch, as their loved ones fight in hospital.

Neil said: “The staff were excellent; they went above and beyond. I was phoning in all the time “One of the doctors told me they’ve never went through anything like this either, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get a secure connection to do a video call.

“We were one of the first families that the doctor had done this with at Crosshouse hospital, we want give something back to keep families connected at this time.

The sad news of Colette’s passing has sent shock waves through the village who are set to honour the former Loch Lomond Group worker, by leaving candles on their windows tonight, after they clap for the heroic NHS staff who did everything to save her.

Neil has thanked the strong community for their support.

He said: “The hundreds of cards, the flowers we’ve received, the thousands of messages of support on social media has been overwhelming.

“We’ve always been part of Catrine, and we can’t thank everyone enough for all their support”

Daughter Chelsea wants to ensure others continue to follow social distancing after the family never expected the virus to hit them.

She said: “We really just wish it didn’t have to be us. We want to put the message out there, so it doesn’t have to be anyone else. Please stay at home at follow the guidelines.”

Colette will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 21 with a Cortège through the village.

Funeral directors Wilson & Drury have shared details of the service which will go through Catrine before heading to the ceremony.

Residents can pay their respect in the street from their garden but have been advised to keep a safe distance.

A spokesperson said: “As much as the family would love for everyone to be close around them to pay respects, they would rather everyone kept safe. Neil and the family can’t stress enough to people, please keep safe and listen to the guidelines put in place, as they know first-hand the devastation it can cause.”

You can donate to Crosshouse Intensive Care Unit via the Just Giving. All details of the funeral arrangements can be found here.

If you would like to pay tribute to somone you have lost, then you can here.

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