Prison officer is fourth HMP worker to lose battle with coronavirus
Female prison officer, 33, becomes the fourth HMP worker to lose battle with coronavirus after ‘putting up one hell of a fight’, say her devastated family
- Rachael Yates, 33, was a prison officer at Usk Prison in Monmouthshire
- She had previously worked at the local post officer and died on Monday
- She is the fourth prison worker in UK to have died after contracting the virus
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
A female prison officer described by friends and family as a ‘shining light’ has died from the coronavirus.
Rachael Yates started her role at Usk Prison in Monmouthshire just 18 months ago and had formerly been a post office worker.
The 33-year-old died on Monday after becoming ill with the virus and her family have now said she ‘put up one hell of a fight’ against it.
The Prison Officers’ Association said her death ‘highlights the risks that brave officers’ face on a daily basis.
Ms Yates is the fourth member of the Prison Service in the UK to have died after contracting Covid-19.
Rachael Yates (pictured above) died on Monday after contracting the coronavirus
Earlier this month it was reported that support workers Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckfordat died after contracting the illness at Pentonville Prison in London.
It was also reported yesterday that a prison officer at HMYOI Polmont near Falkirk in Scotland had also died from the virus.
Usk Town Council said it was ‘saddened’ to learn of Ms Yates’s death from this ‘awful disease’.
It said: ‘Many of you will remember Rachael and her cheery nature working along-side Jane behind the counter at the old Post Office in Bridge St (often in Victorian costume).
A fund raising page set up by her friend Lydia Stokes (pictured above with Rachael Yates) has so far raised over £2,000
‘Our thoughts are very much with her family at this very sad time. Many of you will have known Rachael but please respect her family’s privacy at this difficult time for them.’
People who knew Ms Yates said she ‘always had a smile’ on her face and a fund raising page set up by her friend Lydia Stokes has so far raised over £2,000 to pay for the ‘kind-hearted soul’s’ funeral.
The fundraiser stated: ‘Rachael was a much loved daughter, friend and was loved by anyone who came into contact with her.
Rachael started working at Usk Prison in Monmouthshire 18 months ago, she died on Monday after contracting the virus
‘She was taken away from us way too soon, she put up one hell of a fight but unfortunately lost her battle with the corona virus, we would like to raise some money so we can help give Rachael the send off she truly deserves.’
Those donating money to the cause described Ms Yates as ‘lovely’.
One said: ‘Absolutely awful news! I used to work with Rachael, I have no words. She was so lovely, always kind and would always be smiling. I really am gutted for her and her family, sending all my love! I hope my donation helps in getting her a good send off.
‘Awful in these circumstances at the moment that not everyone can be there! Truly heart breaking to see this today! Fly high beautiful girl, taken far too soon!!’
Another said: ‘So so saddened to hear this today! A beautiful, kindhearted soul taken far too soon. It was a pleasure to have known you Rach, hope you’re at peace now. My thoughts go out to your family at this very sad time.’
Usk Prison is a Category C prison for vulnerable prisoners including many sex offenders. It has around 250 inmates.
It is next to neighbouring jail Prescoed which is an open prison and also takes juveniles with a capacity of about 230.
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