Hartlepool nurse who beat coronavirus sets up iPad appeal to connect families in hospitals and care homes

On April 8, Carlita Pounder broke down in tears when she received the news she had tested positive with Covid-19.

She suffered from body aches, a dull earache and lost her sense of smell and taste but initially hadn’t shown the main symptoms to look out for – a high temperature and a continuous cough – before she was tested.

But after fighting the virus alone in isolation, the nurse, from Hartlepool, is back on the frontline of the NHS providing care to those in need.

Although it is heartbreaking being separated from her parents, especially when she was so ill, the 25-year-old said being able to see their faces through video calls made the world of difference.

And it inspired Carlita and her father Paul Pounder to set up a fundraiser to connect families separated by this ‘horrible’ virus – enabling families to support one another but also be able to say their final goodbyes to loved ones.

Fifty-five-year-old Paul had initially posted on Facebook appealing for people to donate their old iPads and tablets so they could be given to hospitals and care homes.

And from her sick bed, Carlita, who had moved out of her family home before she tested positive in a bid to keep her parents safe, set up a Go Fund Me Page asking for donations so they could buy iPads and tablets to keep families connected. So far the page has raised almost £4,500.

Speaking of when she first tested positive, Carlita said: “My mam and dad were able to ring or FaceTime me. I was in tears, I was totally distraught at the fact I had the virus.

“It was nice actually seeing their face rather than just their voice. They told me they were so proud of me working on the frontline, that this is unfortunate but I will be fine.

“It was good for them to be able to see me too cause they could see when I was getting worse but also when I was getting better.

“I was so supported through it all, I had food, flowers and chocolate left on my doorstep and I thought I need to give back and help others.”

The fundraiser has already seen 20 iPads donated to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and a further eight have been donated to care homes and hospices in the area – delivered by charity Bloodrun.

Carlita, who is overwhelmed at the response, said: “My dad and I want to thank thank everyone from the bottom of my heart as I know how much of a difference this will make to patients and their families, they will be able to say their final goodbyes which truly means the world.

“It’s amazing to see everyone come together in Hartlepool I really can’t thank everyone enough.

“Even strangers I didn’t know who have supported this, it’s been like a blessing.”

To donate to the fundraiser click here.

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