A hospital matron described by her family as a "true hero" and who lived her dream to become a nurse has died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Mother-of-four Sara Trollope died in the early hours of Good Friday at Watford General Hospital at the age of 51.

Sara lived in Carpenders Park with her husband Gary. The couple had four children; twins Kyle and Michael, and daughters Gemma and Freya, as well as two grandchildren.

Mrs Trollope worked in the NHS all of her working life, and was a matron for older adult mental health services at Hillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge.

Her grieving family and friends have paid tribute to the "inspirational" nurse.

Speaking to the Observer, 18-year-old daughter Freya said: "My mum was my rock and my best friend. She meant so much to me and she will never be forgotten.

"She always worked so hard for all of us and always put herself out there for others."

Watford Observer:

Sara pictured with her daughter Freya

Son Kyle said: "Mum is my true hero and inspiration in life. I love and miss her so much. We will make her proud."

Her husband Gary, 57, said of Sara: "You are the love of my life, you are my rose."

Her father Gordon said: "My daughter Sara was always smiling. When I close my eyes this is what I see. From an early age, her ambition was to be a nurse and this what she achieved with flying colours.

"I love her dearly and have always been proud of her and that she achieved in life, which has tragically been cut short. Will love you always."

Her mother Jean described Sara as her "beautiful daughter" who has been a caring person from a young age.

Step-daughter Gemma says Sara's "memory will live on".

Helena Breen, a friend of Sara's, described the matron as "caring and compassionate" and a "privilege to know as a friend and colleague".

Watford Observer:

Sara and her husband Gary with their two grandchildren

Watford Observer:

Sara Trollope pictured at her workplace with Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Freya says her mother began showing symptoms towards the end of March and was taken to Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

But she returned home to Carpenders Park before being moved to Watford General Hospital where she was tested for the virus.

After a couple of days, the hospital manager, who had diabetes and asthma, was moved into intensive care, before passing away at 3.40am on Friday.

Friends of Sara have paid tribute to an “incredible lady”, including close neighbour Tracy Woods who has set up a fundraising page to support the family.

Sara's husband Gary cannot work after he suffered life-changing injuries while serving as a soldier in the Falklands War.

Watford Observer:

Sara pictured with husband Gary

So far, nearly £6,000 has been raised for the family.

Visit the fundraising page here.

The Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust paid tribute to a “well-respected” and long-standing staff member.

Dr Paul Hopper said: “Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients.

“She was an example to every one of us.”