Community mourns Westmead nurse Amy Barker and her unborn child after shock death

An army of family and friends is rallying behind the widower and two-year-old son of an ‘utterly unforgettable’ Westmead nurse – who died suddenly before Christmas.

Westmead nurse Amy Barker and Clint Simpson were expecting their second child.

An army of family and friends is rallying behind the widower and surviving son of pregnant nurse Amy Barker who “touched the lives of everyone she met” particularly during her 15-year nursing career.

The 36-year-old, who worked as a nurse at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s Grace Newborn Intensive Care Unit, died “unexpectedly and tragically” with her unborn son Marcus on December 2 when she was 36 weeks pregnant.

While they wait to learn more about the cause of her death, relatives, friends, colleagues and patients whose lives were touched by Ms Barker’s compassion have donated to a GoFundMe page to support her partner Clint Simpson and their two-year-old son Nicholas.

A joint statement from the hearbroken Barker and Simpson families said they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and grief for Ms Barker, from The Hills, who ran her local playgroup and enjoyed bringing the community together.

“A natural mother, Amy thrived in her most cherished role of bringing up Nicholas,’’ the tribute read.

“Amy was a vivacious and down-to-earth spirit who had a love of all kinds of music and art, travelling with her partner Clint, and being immersed in nature.’’

Amy Barker and Clint Simpson with their toddler Nicholas, who was about to become a big brother. Picture: GoFundMe

Ms Barker’s friend Bianca Knott, who is organising the GoFundMe fundraising drive that has already raised $90,000 – said she was an “adored daughter and daughter-in-law, a cherished sister and sister-in-law, a wonderful friend, and a brilliant nurse practitioner’’.

“Amy was a beautiful and compassionate soul who touched the lives of everyone she met,’’ she said.

Ms Barker was a senior member in the specialised newborn intensive care unit and looked after hundreds of babies with complex medical conditions, while also caring for their families through their ordeals.

Now, the community is hoping her family can benefit from that compassion to ease the financial burden for their future.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association issued a statement that said Ms Barker was renowned for her skills as a neonatal nurse.

“Amy is remembered for her leadership in the workplace, implementing innovative approaches through clinical research and education.’’

Westmead nurse Amy Barker dedicated her career to neonatal nursing and her own family. Picture: GoFundMe

Mum Amy Milne said she would never forget Ms Barker’s kindness.

“Amy worked in the Grace unit when my daughter Lilly was born and she was a lovely support through the discharge process as well as after – always answering our emails and phone calls and offering advice,’’ she said.

Former colleague Kate Mullany wrote: “I worked with Amy a long time ago now, but she was utterly unforgettable. She was a big part of what made my time as a very junior doctor in Grace the amazing experience that it was. I will never forget how clever, kind and passionate she was.’’

Miriam Keogh echoed the praise and said she “was always lovely whenever I visited the Grace Unit, taking the time to chat and check in even amid her busy schedule”.

“This loss is felt deeply by so many, a testament to all of the lives she touched through her work.’’