Nearly £10,000 has been raised to support the family of a “hardworking” nursing assistant who died after spending his time treating coronavirus patients at Watford General Hospital.

Friends of John Alagos, 23, from Watford, set up the GoFundMe page helping his grieving family who died last Friday (April 3).

The nursing assistant fell ill during a 12-hour shift at Watford General Hospital but did not leave work early, the Mail on Sunday reported.

His mother, Gina Gustilo, 50, told the newspaper he complained of suffering a headache and high temperature throughout his night shift.

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Ms Gustilo later found her son unconscious in his bedroom after he returned home from his shift.

The mother said her son did not have any underlying medical conditions.

His colleague Christine Joy Pasno said John “selflessly helped” to treat patients with Covid-19 symptoms.

In the GoFundMe description she wrote: “Not all of you might know him, but he was a very kind, funny and hardworking person.

“He was a good son, he continually supported his mum, dad and two other siblings.

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“At 23, he had dreams to pursue uni, unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to do this now.”

Yesterday it was said the family were waiting to hear whether he had tested positive for Covid-19, but West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said they "cannot comment further on the cause of death at this stage".

His mother informed Ms Pasno that the funeral expenses are estimated to be £15,000 and that she is “thankful” for every single donation made.

Watford MP Dean Russell said: “It is with deep sorrow that our own brave NHS hero John Alagos at Watford General Hospital has passed away.

“On behalf of the people of Watford, thank you for your service to the NHS and country.

“My thoughts and prayers are with John’s loved ones and brave NHS colleagues.”

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor says that the flag raised today at the Town Hall is “out of respect” for John.

Yesterday the Mayor paid his respects and said: “This is such incredibly sad news. John Alagos died after serving people suffering with coronavirus at Watford General.

“We are so grateful to all NHS workers, especially at this time. They must have everything they need to assist them.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Tracey Carter, chief nurse at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS trust, described Mr Alagos as “very popular” and that he “will be missed greatly”.

She said: “Our staff are fully briefed on the symptoms of Covid-19 and we would never expect anyone to remain at work if they were showing these symptoms or indeed were unwell in any way.

“We have always kept our staff updated on the latest PPE guidance to make sure they have the right level of protection for where they are working. John was very popular and will be missed greatly by his colleagues."

To donate and support his family, visit the GoFundMe page here.