Daughter of Oxford University hospital porter who died of suspected COVID-19 pays tribute to her ‘hard-working’ father who always ‘put others first’ as she raises £21,000 to cover funeral costs
- Elbert Rico, a porter at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, died on 10 April
- His daughter Carla paid tribute to her hardworking father on GoFundMe
- Launched a campaign to cover funeral costs that has far exceeded its target
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
The daughter of a hospital porter who died from a suspected case of coronavirus has paid tribute to her ‘hardworking’ father.
Elbert Rico, who worked at John Radcliffe Hospital, part of the University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, died on 10 April of a suspected case of COVID-19.
His daughter Carla Rico wrote how her father always put the needs of others above his own as she launched a Go Fund Me campaign to cover the cost of his funeral.
Carla Rico from Oxford, has raised almost £20,000 towards the expenses of her father Elbert Rico’s memorial. Pictured: Carla with her parents Shirley and Elbert
She wrote: ‘Elbert was a loving husband, father and friend. He was mainly known by Rico in his workplace and with close friends.
‘He has been working as a porter in JR Hospital since he came to the UK in 2004 and loved the work that he did.
‘He was always hard working and would prioritise other’s needs firsts. He would walk around the hospital with a smile on his face and very rarely would he call in sick from work.’
The campaign has raised more than £21,000 since it was launched last week – more than double the initial £10,000 target.
A second porter at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oscar King Jr, has also died of a suspected case of COVID-19.
Elbert had worked at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford since 2004. Pictured: Carla with her parents Shirley and Elbert
Carla asked her Facebook friends to donate any amount that they’re able towards the expenses of her father’s memorial
One person wrote: ‘Very moved to hear this. Whilst many of us are sat at home albeit concerned about our own welfare and financial security, it is very sobering to be reminded that many are in the front line doing their day to day job in exceptional circumstances. And submitting themselves to dangers none of us would have forecast. Condolences.’
‘I am so incredibly sad to hear this and I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Rico as forever having a smile on his face and always going above and beyond for anyone, it was clear that he loved his job and took a lot of pride in it. Heaven has gained a shining star. RIP,’ said another.
A third added: ‘Extending our deepest condolences. We will all be praying for your family. May God give you the strength to overcome this loss.’
A stream of charitable givers shared their condolences, as they remembered Elbert as being a ‘genuinely good person’