TRIBUTES have been paid to a Chester lady “who could make you smile in the hardest of times” after she lost her life to coronavirus.

Staff at the Chester branch of Sweetenham Chemist, based on The Parade in Blacon, have paid tribute to their friend and colleague Mandy Siddorn who sadly died after contracting the COVID-19 virus.

A spokesman for the pharmacy posted a touching tribute to the 61-year-old on their social media page on Good Friday, April 10.

It read: “It is with much sadness that we acknowledge the loss of one of our Swettenham family, Mandy, who passed away as a result of contracting coronavirus.

“Mandy worked across our Wirral and Chester branches as a registered checking technician, the highest non-pharmacist role, and did so with outstanding professionalism and accuracy.

“We are all devastated by this tragic loss and our thoughts go out to all who knew her.

“Mandy is being remembered as a loyal, hardworking, dedicated and joyous friend to all of us.

“Yesterday [April 9] was probably the hardest day the teams have ever faced. Every single member of staff dealt with their emotions in order to get on with the task in hand to dispense the medication our patients need. Our admiration for the teams’ professionalism and loyalty knows no bounds.

“We could all feel Mandy’s presence and her bustling good humour urging us on.

“Our love, thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew Mandy, in particular her mother Dorothy, daughter and son in law Aimee and Steve, grand-daughter Molly and sister in law Jane.”

Dozens shared their memories of Mandy on the social media post that paid tribute to her.

One said: “I had the pleasure to know Mandy growing up in Oxton village, as worked in the pharmacy ABC at the time, then Mandy also went into working in a chemist. Kept in touch as friends, so upset to hear this news. Still can't believe our loss of a lovely lady.”

Another posted: “Mandy was a fabulous lady, always there with a smile and willing to help, comforting words when needed, bubbly friendly personality, a lady who could make you smile in the hardest of times.

“Thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. Mandy will be missed by so many.”

A third wrote: “I was a neighbour of Mandy a few years ago. It was a pleasure knowing such a nice lady and can see from the comments that she had many friends and was loved very much.”