RESIDENTS are mourning the loss of two celebrated Basingstoke individuals, who have died after contracting coronavirus, the Gazette can reveal. 

Paediatrician Dr Judith Darmady OBE and county cricketer Lee Nurse gave their lives to their passions but sadly passed away after testing positive for Covid-19. 

Loved ones said it is believed Dr Judith caught the virus while at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, where she worked for decades as a children’s doctor. 

The 84-year-old retired medic, who saved “thousands of lives” over the course of her career, was released from hospital three weeks ago but was readmitted last week where she later died. 

Lee Nurse, a talented cricketer who represented Hampshire and Berkshire, died from the disease at the age of 42, despite having no underlying health conditions. His family said he was “fit and healthy”. 

To date, there have been 283 recorded hospital deaths in the county with 11,656 lives claimed by the disease across the country. 

Also in this week's paper:

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a policeman was stabbed while responding to a call on Easter Sunday. Full story on page 2.

A coronavirus assessment centre has been set up in the car park of Russell Howard Park to help tackle the outbreak. Full story on page 4.

Hampshire Constabulary has launched a new website page for people to report those flouting the Covid-19 measures. And concerns have been raised about a possible link between air pollution and higher death rates in people with Covid-19, after Basingstoke was identified as one of 45 local authorities as having poor air quality in the past. Full investigation on pages 6-7.

The Gazette speaks to schoolgirl Jazmine Bolton as she sings her heart out for NHS workers on the front line. Full story on page 12.

We write a tribute piece about a celebrated children’s doctor who saved “thousands of lives” over the course of her career. Full story on page 13.

There is also a free NHS poster to share and say thanks. Full advert on page 57.

Two pages of your letters to the editor.

Two pages of your birthdays and celebrations.

Two pages of news from your communities, including Sherfield, Chineham and Cliddesden.

Three pages of news from our districts, including Tadley, Whitchurch and Hook.

Eight-page education awards supplement.

Eight-page puzzle special.

Two pages of business news.

Three pages of entertainment news.

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