AN AIRPORT worker and his pharmacist daughter died from Covid-19 in less than 24 hours.

Sudhir Sharma, 61, died on Wednesday after contracting the coronavirus, the day before his 33-year-old daughter Pooja lost her battle with the disease.

Speaking of the Terminal 3 worker, a source told The Sun: “It’s an absolute tragedy. He was a lovely, lovely man. Every immigration officer is talking about it.

“There are concerns about his widow being unable to attend the funeral because of the isolation issues. It’s just so awful.”

It is believed that Mr Sharma, from West Hounslow, had underlying health problems which forced him to take time off work in recent years.

Ms Sharma received medical care for three days before she died from Covid-19.

She had been working as a pharmacist at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

A friend of the daughter posted online: "Really sorry to hear that one of our fellow pharmacists and a friend of mine since university, Pooja, and her father have passed away.

"May their souls rest in peace. Sending my heartiest condolences, prayers and love to their family."

The number of coronavirus deaths in the UK continues to grow at an increasingly fast rate.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 14,543, it was announced earlier today, with the death toll jumping to 759.

The number of deaths in Great Britain rose by 181, a startling jump of 31 per cent in just 24 hours.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund​