Tributes paid after death of popular Bradford Royal Infirmary nurse

Bradford Royal Infirmary has said a fond farewell to staff nurse Raquel Policarpio, 51 - 'who thought of the hospital as her second family'.

Raquel died in June following a long battle with cancer.

She had retired due to ill health in April following an 18 year nursing career at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Raquel, who was originally from the Philippines, joined the Trust after moving to the UK from working in Singapore.

She had many friends both in Bradford’s Filipino community and from all walks of life, the hospital said.

Her good friend, Marsha Aguilar, a staff nurse on Ward 21, paid tribute to Raquel as a dedicated and well respected nurse who absolutely loved her job, colleagues and patients and thought of everyone at the BRI as her second family.

Marsha said: “Even patients remember her for the special care she gave them, she really did touch everyone with her kindness and friendliness."

Raquel and Marsha joined the Trust together after moving to the UK from Singapore where they became friends.