Outpouring of support after shock death of Melbourne nurse

A beloved nurse died suddenly this week just a month after becoming a mother for the first time, leaving loved ones broken.

A beloved young mother’s sudden death just a month after giving birth to her first child has left loved ones in a “deep sorrow”.

Aileen Wilkinson, a 32-year-old nurse from Melbourne, died unexpectedly from a medical episode on Wednesday leaving behind partner Marco Lecci and baby Rosa.

In just one day people have donated almost $60,000 to a GoFundMe page created by Kieran Joyce on Thursday, who has been “blown away” by the support.

“As you may know we have suddenly lost the beautiful Aileen following an unexpected tragic event,” the page reads.

“Aileen leaves behind her wonderful partner Marco and beautiful baby girl Rosa who she gave birth to on the 23rd July 2024.”

Aileen Wilkinson has been remembered as a talented nurse.

She died suddenly this week.

Mr Joyce said the funds would go toward returning Ms Wilkinson’s body to her homeland of Ireland and “setting up things for Rosa’s future”.

“Any contribution will be greatly appreciated, no matter how great or small, would mean the world to Marco and Rosa,” he said.

“For those unable to contribute financially, your words of comfort and shared memories of Aileen would be greatly appreciated so we can share with Rosa how much of a presence Aileen was in all of our lives.”

In a separate fundraiser, the family of the Irish-born mum and Mr Lecci described the tragedy as an “unimaginable loss”.

Ms Wilkinson with her partner Marco Lecci.

“She was not only a dear friend to many but also Marco’s beloved partner and the loving mother of Rosa, their beautiful one-month-old baby,” their message says.

“This tragic event has left us and their families in deep sorrow.”

Ms Wilkinson worked as a registered nurse at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and had been completing her masters in advanced nursing at the University of Melbourne,

Last year Ms Wilkinson won the university’s Catherine Wotton Ovarian Cancer Scholarship, which supports the work of gynaecological nurses.

“The Catherine Wotton Scholarship has given me the opportunity to improve patient care, and I am truly grateful for this scholarship and the chance to make a difference in the field of nursing,” she said at the time.

“I am extremely grateful to the family and friends of Catherine Wotton for their contributions to help fund nurses seeking further education and feel extremely lucky to be the tenth recipient of this scholarship.”

Those who wish to donate can do so at the GoFundMe page.

Originally published as Outpouring of support after shock death of Melbourne nurse