Tributes have been paid to a much-loved young paramedic who died suddenly at her home in south Wales. Colleagues were called to the home of Charlotte Cope, 23, in Rhondda, south Wales, on Monday evening. An inquest is to be held but there are no suspicious circumstances and Cope is not believed to have contracted Covid-19. Last week Cope posted a message on social media saying she was missing her family, weightlifting and her freedom. She concluded the post by saying she would dedicate her time to helping others and urged everyone to stay at home. Jason Killens, the chief executive of the Welsh ambulance service, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the sudden death of one of our paramedics on Monday evening. “Charlotte Cope, who was based in Gelli, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was a much-loved member of the Welsh ambulance service family having joined the organisation in 2018 after qualifying as a paramedic. “We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Charlotte’s family, who we are supporting through this difficult time. Support arrangements are also being made for Charlotte’s colleagues across our organisation.” Connor Quinn, a friend and colleague, has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for funeral costs and to support her family. By Thursday afternoon more than £11,000 had been donated. Quinn said Cope was promising, proud and adored by all who knew her. He said: “Her heartwarming nature could be felt by everyone in her presence to which she was completely oblivious. This made her all the more special. I think I am speaking on behalf of all her friends and colleagues when I say we are heartbroken and devastated. “To her she was just another ordinary girl, but to us she was that one little bit of happiness and cheer we are often looking for within the ambulance service especially at these unpredictable times.” People whom Charlotte had helped also paid tribute. One said: “Thank you Charlotte for helping save our daughter’s life you have gained your angel wings far too early.” Another said she had been looking after a relative the day before she died. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.