MOURNERS gathered at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to pay their final respects to "one of their own", after it was arranged for hospital worker, Carlos Sia's funeral procession to pass by.

Mr Sia worked as a healthcare assistant at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and died on May 15 after spending many weeks in hospital fighting Covid-19.

Yesterday the 62-year-old's family arranged for his procession to drive by the hospital, and socially distanced staff and others lined the route and applauded when his coffin arrived.

A wreath from the hospital was presented to the family, before the funeral procession moved off to more applause, as part of the emotional tribute.

A moving video of the tribute, with Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish playing in the background, was released on social media by Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.

The Trust said: "Today we mourned the loss of one of our own.

"Carlos Sia, a healthcare assistant at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, sadly passed away in May with Covid-19.

"His family arranged for his funeral procession to pass by so staff could pay respect to a much-loved colleague and friend."

Matthew Hopkins, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, said in a letter announcing his death: “It is once again my sad duty to share with you the news that we have lost a colleague to Covid-19.

“Carlos Sia, who was a healthcare assistant on Avon 4, died in ITU at Worcester where he had been cared for over a period of several weeks after falling ill.

“Carlos, who was 62, had been with our trust since 2015 and was much loved by his colleagues. His quiet, gentle and respectful nature, his generosity of spirit, his sense of humour and his calming influence also made him popular with patients.

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“We have lost a valued member of our trust family – and in Carlos’ case, the word ‘family’ has a special relevance as his wife Cindy works on Avon 2 as a healthcare assistant and his daughter Clair is a nurse on our Acute Stroke Unit.

“Cindy and Clair are particularly in our thoughts at this sad time, as are all Carlos’ colleagues who worked alongside him and those who cared for him through his illness.

“Colleagues who worked most closely with Carlos have been offered support but please remember that during this difficult time we are offering a wide range of support and counselling to all our staff."

Mr Sia leaves behind his wife and daughter also three sons still living in the Philippines. His family described him as a very caring father, a great man and a loving husband.

After the news of his death was announced a fundraising page was also set up, raising £1,759 to help with funeral costs and to pay for his family to travel to the Philippines, with his ashes, and to reunite with the rest of their family.