The family of a young paramedic who has was found dead at her home have today paid tribute to their ‘precious special daughter’.
Charlotte Cope qualified as a paramedic just two years ago and was based in Gelli, Rhondda, South Wales before her sudden death at home in the Rhondda Valley.
Her grieving parents parents Roger and Heidi, both 48, said they are devastated to have lost their ‘hero’ whose childhood dream was to become a paramedic.
The 23-year-old was found at her home after finishing her shift on Monday
They said: ‘As parents we are very very heartbroken and devastated and will never get over the sudden death of our precious special daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.
‘Our hearts are truly broken, fly high our hero, spread your special wings and continue to look after the ones in heaven like you did on earth, until we meet again.’
‘As parents we couldn’t have been any prouder,’ they told The Sun.
The 23-year-old was found dead at her home in the Rhondda Valley after finishing her shift on Monday.
Her emergency services colleagues were sent to her address following a 999 call.
Just days ago Ms Cope urged people to stay at home as she praised her colleagues on social media.
Charlotte Cope qualified as a paramedic two years ago. Just days ago Ms Cope posted on social media: ‘I have to stay positive, dedicating all my time on the ambulance to help others in need at this time with my amazing colleagues. Stay safe everyone, please stay at home.’
Friend and colleague Connor Quinn described Ms Cope as a ‘very promising and proud paramedic adored by all who knew her.’
Ms Cope posted on social media: ‘Life sucks right now ey. I miss my family. I miss weightlifting/training, I miss the freedom.
‘But have to stay positive, dedicating all my time on the ambulance to help others in need at this time with my amazing colleagues.
‘Stay safe everyone, please stay at home.’
Friend and colleague Connor Quinn described Ms Cope as a ‘very promising and proud paramedic adored by all who knew her.’
He said: ‘Charlotte Louise Cope, my close friend and colleague was tragically taken too soon at the young age of 23 on April 12, 2020.
‘A very promising and proud South Wales paramedic adored by all who knew her, she had carried the weight of the world on her small shoulders in silence for far too long.
‘Her heartwarming nature could be felt by everyone in her presence to which she was completely oblivious, this made her all the more special.
‘I think I am speaking on behalf of all her friends and colleagues when I say we are heartbroken and devastated and we all miss and love you so much.
‘To her she was just another ordinary girl, but to us she was that one little bit of happiness and cheer we are often looking for within the ambulance service especially at these unpredictable times.’
The 23-year-old was working hard to help those in need during the coronavirus crisis
Ms Cope has been described as ‘a much-loved member of the Welsh Ambulance Service family’
Mr Quinn raised more than £10,000 in a fundraising page to help with funeral costs and support Ms Cope’s grieving family, ‘especially as we will be unable to attend due to the current pandemic.’
‘I understand these are financially hard times and there are lots of other fundraisers currently running, but even the smallest of donation will be appreciated.
‘Sleep tight Charl.’
More than £10,000 has been raised to help with funeral costs and support Ms Cope’s grieving family
Jason Killens, chief executive at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the sudden death of one of our paramedics on Monday evening.
‘Charlotte Cope, who was based in Gelli, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was a much-loved member of the Welsh Ambulance Service family having joined the organisation in 2018 after qualifying as a paramedic.
‘We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Charlotte’s family, who we are supporting through this difficult time.
‘Support arrangements are also being made for Charlotte’s colleagues across our organisation.
‘I would ask that we give regard to the wish of Charlotte’s family at this very sad and difficult time and respect their privacy.’
Anyone seeking help can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org