Ondine Sherwood Long Covid Obituary
- Ondine Sherwood, a prominent and passionate voice in the fight for recognition of Long COVID, has died at 65 after battling lung cancer.Sherwood became a leading advocate after...
- In june 2020, Sherwood founded In Covid SOS, quickly establishing it as a charitable institution.Her role as a spokesperson for those suffering from Long COVID involved tireless lobbying...
- Sherwood's efforts included sending a warning letter to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in July 2020, highlighting the potential for a surge in Long COVID cases during a second...
Ondine Sherwood, a tireless champion for Long COVID awareness, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and unwavering dedication. Our report details Sherwood’s notable role in bringing the often-overlooked condition into the spotlight. She founded In Covid SOS, lobbying tirelessly and challenging prevailing narratives. Her efforts profoundly impacted public perception, leading to increased recognition and support for those suffering from the lasting effects of COVID-19.Sherwood’s prescient warnings and unwavering determination helped shape the understanding of Long COVID, making her a pivotal figure in the fight for patient acknowledgment. News Directory 3 recognizes her impactful work. her influence is undeniable, ensuring her contributions continue to drive research and support. What’s next for this evolving medical landscape?
Ondine Sherwood, early long COVID Advocate, Dies at 65
Updated june 18, 2025
Ondine Sherwood, a prominent and passionate voice in the fight for recognition of Long COVID, has died at 65 after battling lung cancer.Sherwood became a leading advocate after experiencing lingering symptoms following a COVID-19 infection in March 2020. Finding that many others faced similar struggles with diagnosis and understanding, she spearheaded efforts to bring Long COVID into the public consciousness.
In june 2020, Sherwood founded In Covid SOS, quickly establishing it as a charitable institution.Her role as a spokesperson for those suffering from Long COVID involved tireless lobbying of politicians, doctors, and civil servants. Sherwood consistently challenged the narrative that COVID-19 was only a mild illness for most, emphasizing the serious and lasting impact on a significant number of individuals. Her advocacy helped shape the understanding of the condition.
Sherwood’s efforts included sending a warning letter to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in July 2020, highlighting the potential for a surge in Long COVID cases during a second wave. She appeared on national media outlets and facilitated early meetings between patients and the World Health Organization. Her work gradually increased public awareness of the needs of Long COVID patients.
Her advocacy led to the “Long covid groups,” including In Covid SOS, becoming core participants in the government’s COVID inquiry. Sherwood provided compelling evidence in October 2023, further solidifying the importance of recognizing and addressing the long-term effects of the virus.
Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College london, said Sherwood’s recognition of Long COVID and her determination to act were “prescient, bold, and totally in character.” He noted the condition is now a clinical entity with significant global impact.
Jane Ryan, solicitor for the Long Covid groups, said that without Sherwood’s advocacy, “the recognition and support for patients suffering post-acute sequelae from Covid-19 would have been far worse.”
Born in Stoke Newington, London, Sherwood studied textile technology and design before working in the fashion industry.She later earned a master’s degree in the politics and economics of health from UCL in 2019.
sherwood is survived by her husband, Steve Kriss, and their three sons, Sam, Benji, and Alexander. Her legacy remains a crucial foundation for ongoing Long COVID research and support.