Tributes to 'devoted' North East charity worker who died after battling COVID-19

Tributes have been paid to a “much loved and dedicated” North East charity worker, after she died from coronavirus.

Margaret ‘Margie’ Blyth, who had served the North East Autism Society for 18 years, passed away at the Sunderland Royal Infirmary, aged 66.

The charity’s Chief Executive, John Phillipson, described Margie as a “local hero”.

He said: “In losing her, we have lost a significant member of our team and a friend. We’ve lost one of our own, and she will be greatly missed.”

News of her death coincides with International Workers’ Memorial Day, with people across the world holding a minute’s silence at 11 am to remember health, care and other key workers who have died from coronavirus.

Boris Johnson, who battled the illness himself, including a spell in intensive care, was among those observing the minute’s silence.

Colleagues remember Margie for going 'above and beyond' her role at the charity.

“To our service-users, she was part of their everyday life, whether it be greeting them at the door with a smile, seeing them off in their taxis with a wave, tidying their rooms, washing their clothes and preparing their lunches.

“She devoted her life to her work and her family, and she will be forever remembered by us all.”

It is not known how Margie contracted the virus, but the North East Autism Society has confirmed no one else from the charity has shown symptoms.

Read more:

• UK falls silent in remembrance of key workers who have died

• Surge in applications to work for NHS during pandemic

• Tributes to Sunderland nurse who has died after contracting COVID-19