Redcar radio presenter Julie Donaldson dies from coronavirus aged 50

The 50-year-old had battled the virus at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough since October 6.

Only last week the popular presenter was able to post on social media about her experiences on an intensive care ward, telling followers that she faced a long recovery and had narrowly avoided being placed on a ventilator.

Yet her condition then deteriorated and she passed away in the early hours of Saturday October 31.

Mrs Donaldson, who was married to husband John, presented the Morning Mix programme on the Redcar-based station.

A statement from Zetland FM read: "As you may know, our Morning Mix presenter Julie Donaldson has been in intensive care for several weeks having contracted Covid-19.

"Today, Julie's husband John has been in touch with some terribly sad news:

"Julie died this morning shortly after 5am. She was admitted to hospital earlier this month and put up an incredibly brave fight to combat this terrible disease.

"In the end her heart simply could not cope with the strain which her deteriorating lungs were placing on it. The doctors and nurses in ICU were exceptional and were all so supportive and went the extra mile to comfort her when she most needed it. I would also like to thank all her friends on Facebook for your kind words and encouragement, I know this has helped her enormously."

"Everyone at Zetland FM is heartbroken at this news, Julie was an exceptional radio presenter, a hugely valued colleague and a friend to us all at Zetland FM. We also know she was much loved by our listeners and across the community in Redcar and Cleveland.

"Julie was a wonderful woman who was an inspiration to everyone she met. She was passionate about supporting the local community in Redcar and Cleveland and worked tirelessly to promote local groups, charities and organisations.

"We will miss her terribly and we send our heartfelt condolences to her husband John, and her family and friends.

"Zetland FM will pay tribute to Julie in a special programme on Monday morning from 8am.

"Julie - thanks for everything, you will always be part of Zetland FM, and we will remember you forever."

Mrs Donaldson had paid tribute to the efforts of the hospital staff treating her in a Facebook post on October 27.

"I’m writing from my 22nd day in intensive care, so that will tell you that I’m still pretty poorly and have a long way to go to recovery.

"Thank you so much for keeping me in your thoughts in a time which is by far THE WORST experience of my life.

"The love and encouragement I have felt from messages is much needed I can tell you.

"The team here at James Cook are absolutely wonderful. Run off their feet, but monitor me every second of the day.

"They’ve helped me through panic attacks - it’s so scary in here, it’s really life and death - and times when I’ve just felt so bleak and cried.

"But they’ve held my hand, talked me through it and told me what I’m going through is pretty ‘normal’ in the circumstances."