Tributes paid to "selfless" nurse and former Wigan rugby player who died after testing positive for coronavirus

Tributes have been paid to a "selfless" nurse and former rugby player who died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Andy Collier, 53, a nurse practitioner at Hollins Park Hospital in Warrington, Cheshire, died on April 15, a spokesman for the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said.

He was admitted to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan after becoming seriously ill on March 31 and died with his wife Carol by his bedside.

Mr Collier, who ran The First and Last pub in Leigh with his wife, had previously played for Wigan and Leigh Centurions rugby league clubs.

His ward manager Rob Kelly said: "Andy was all about putting other people first - whether that was patients on the ward or his colleagues across the trust.

"He was very down to earth, fair and selfless. I will remember him as a team player and someone who was passionate about bringing people together on our team development days to improve our environment for staff and patients.

"It's been lovely to hear the reaction of our patients who commented that he was always approachable and helped them however he could.

"The team has raised a few virtual glasses to Andy and we will miss him massively."

He was also a union representative for Unite and played golf at Leigh Golf Club.

Chief Executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare Simon Barber said: "I would like to express my gratitude to Andy for all he did for our patients and staff.

"It is clear he was a very dedicated and compassionate man. All our thoughts are with Andy's family at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences."