Melbourne mum Tennille Smith dies from flu

THE latest victim of the flu epidemic gripping Victoria, a 40-year-old mum who was a nurse at the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne, has renewed a warning to all families.

Tennille Smith with her family — husband, Tim Smith and children, left to right, Harper, Cooper and Bailey.

RIGHT to the last moments of her life, Tennille Smith was determined to give back.

The neonatal nurse at the Mercy Hospital had spent nine days already fighting for each breath after she collapsed from the flu and pneumonia.

But it was her dying wish to donate her kidneys.

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Despite being in tremendous pain, she managed to hold on to life for one more day — knowing that because she did, her kidneys would be in a better condition to be given to someone else. Ms Smith’s father, Gary Seamer, said the selfless act was one of many his “incredible” daughter had done.

“She gave everything she had to the end,” he said.

“She stayed alive, in agony, for an extra day so that her kidneys would be in a healthier state.

“We are devastated right now but her legacy of giving back and helping others will not be forgotten”.

The 40-year-old mother of three died on October 27 after losing her near three-week fight with the flu and pneumonia.

Tennille Smith with daughter Harper.

Tennille Smith with husband Tim Smith.

The Mill Park nurse first complained of symptoms on her birthday, October 8, saying she was feeling unwell.

The Mercy Hospital nurse was vaccinated and believed the symptoms would pass, opting not see a doctor at the time.

But, just 10 days later, Ms Smith collapsed and was taken in an ambulance to the Northern Hospital in Epping where she was placed into the intensive care unit.

Last night, Mr Seamer urged all people who had cold symptoms to get checked by a GP.

Mrs Smith’s brother, Cobey, has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for her three children, Bailey, Cooper and Harper.

Mr Smith said: “Tennille touched the hearts of and meant so much to many people and will be greatly missed,” he said.

“Her work as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse suited her to a tee, always looking after and saving others.

“Even right to her last breath, giving her organs to provide hope for other people”.

As of 7.30am the page had raised over $3600.

To donate: www.gofundme.com/ynms56-flower-free-4-bailey-cooper-harper