THE first front line health worker to die from Covid-19 in the north is to be honoured posthumously.
The Freedom of the Borough (Derry City and Strabane District Council) will be conferred on Pat McManus.
Originally from Strabane, the father-of-three was described by his nursing colleagues at the County Hospital in Stafford as "kind and compassionate".
Mr McManus (60) died from the virus in April 2020.
He worked as a nurse for more than 40 years at various hospitals.
The ceremony is due to take place on February 28 and more than 20 family members will be travelling to attend.
Derg Sinn Féin councillor Ruairi McHugh said: "I think it is the least we, as a council, can afford Mr McManus who so selflessly put himself in the front line and stayed true to his hippocratic oath when, despite his own medical condition, he put his life on the line to protect others."
Speaking of his delight that Mr McManus was to be posthumously recognised, SDLP councillor Steven Edward added: "Pat gave his life to help others and it is only right his contribution is acknowledged locally especially given that his home town is Strabane."
DUP Alderman Hilary McClintock spoke of the importance of marking this ‘very special occasion’ for the family of Pat McManus adding: “It also brings some recognition to all those who have been on the front line during the pandemic.”
Mr McManus was a son of former veteran Strabane SDLP councillor, Peggy McManus who died in 2016.
