My Story: Ajitha Kaliyath Antony

An Indian nurse who came to serve and laid down her life at the start of the Covid epidemic.

Ajitha was born on 31st October 1989 in Kochi, India, the second child of Jessy and Antony. With her elder brother Ajay and younger sister Anju, she grew up in a lively and loving family, where her gentle spirit and caring heart were noticed from an early age.

She was a bright student at SDPY School and later pursued her dream of becoming a nurse at Adithya College. Nursing was not just a career for Ajitha — it was a calling. Her natural empathy and dedication made her stand out, and she went on to begin her career at Pune Hospital & Research Institute. From there, her path took her to Dubai, where she worked for six years, caring for patients with unwavering patience and compassion.

Life also brought her love. Ajitha married Karthik, and together they welcomed their son Ayaan — the joy of her life. Motherhood brought out even more of her warmth, and those who knew her saw how she poured her heart into both her family and her work.

In 2021, with the hope of building a new future for her family, Ajitha moved to the United Kingdom. She joined Warrington and Halton Hospital, eager to continue her service as a nurse within the NHS. Like many overseas nurses, she worked hard to complete the necessary OSCE exams, and during that time, she stayed in Crewe, preparing for the next chapter of her career.

It was then that her life took an unexpected turn. Ajitha fell ill with Covid-19 and was admitted to Leighton Hospital. Despite the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses — and her own strength and determination — her condition worsened, and she was transferred to Manchester Wythenshawe Hospital for advanced life support. Plans were being made for a lung transplant, but sadly, Ajitha passed away on 18th June 2021. She was just 31 years old.

Ajitha’s passing has left a space that can never be filled. She was a devoted daughter, a loving sister, a caring wife, and above all, a deeply affectionate mother to little Ayaan. Her friends and colleagues remember her for her kindness, her quiet resilience, and her ever-present smile. Though her journey was far too short, her life was full of meaning, and the love she gave continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.