Report by Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

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 after suffering from Covid-19, leaving behind a three-year-old daughter. She cared for residents at Elizabeth Lodge Care Home in Pennington Drive, Highlands.

A fundraiser set up by relatives to help pay for Sonya’s 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 Sonya 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 Nesil Caliskan described Sonya’s death as “incredibly sad” and said she had spoken to her family to convey her “deepest condolences”.

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 17th 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.”

Support the Go Fund Me page set up by Sonya’s family:
Visit gofundme.com/f/care-worker-sonya-kaygan-26-loses-covid19-battle

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