A Southend United Kingdom nurse described as a “kind and hardworking” professional has tragically died, prompting an urgent fundraising appeal to return his body to his family in Ghana.
Samuel Acquah, 38, a theatre nurse at Southend Hospital, was discovered dead at his home on Monday after failing to arrive for his shift. He is believed to have passed away in his sleep.
He was due to fly home in November to make arrangements for his wife and children to join him
Originally from Ghana, Mr Acquah had worked as a head theatre nurse in his home country before moving to the UK last year. Friends and colleagues say he quickly became a valued member of the hospital team, known for his compassion and dedication.
His sudden death has left loved ones devastated. Close friend and colleague Basintale Abel Edmond, who also hails from Ghana, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of repatriating Mr Acquah’s body, holding customary funeral rites, and supporting his wife and two young daughters, aged four and seven.
“Samuel was the main provider for his family after losing both parents,” Mr Edmond said. “He worked tirelessly for years before being given the chance to come to Southend. He was due to fly home in November to make arrangements for his wife and children to join him. We just want to raise the money to send him home and support his family.”
Tributes have poured in from colleagues who described him as a “warm spirit who touched everyone who knew him.”
Donations can be made via the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/help-repatriate-samuel-to-ghana.
