By Katie Ham of 
Maria Packe-Leonard died earlier late last month. Photo: Stuff / Supplied
Kiwis have rallied behind the sons of a Wellington nurse who died from "flu-like symptoms" last month, while their father has been transferred to Auckland for more specialised care.
Otherwise fit and healthy, 53-year-old Maria Packe-Leonard died at Hutt Hospital on 21 July.
Her husband, 53-year-old John Leonard, remains in a critical condition after developing similar symptoms, leaving their two teenage sons facing an uncertain future.
Just over two weeks after their mother's death, more than $50,000 had been raised for 15-year-old Jed and 14-year-old Sam via a Givealittle page set up by their uncle.
According to Maria's brother, Darrell Packe, John was transferred to Auckland's ICU for specialist care over the weekend.
"He developed a blood infection, which has meant his lungs and kidneys aren't coping," Darrell said.
"Auckland has a machine that can remove blood from the lungs and replace it with oxygen."
Jed and Sam had travelled to Auckland to be with their father, he said.
Maria’s two sons, now aged 14 and 15, have been “incredible”, their uncle says. Photo: Stuff / Supplied
They thanked the public for their messages of support and donations, with a simple message to all Kiwis we had rallied behind their family: "We appreciate you".
Darrell praised the hospital and staff, who he said had been "amazing".
"People are amazing. It's been a tumultuous couple of weeks, but when you feel all of those people around you, that's special."
Darrell previously told Stuff that he hopes Maria's death will help raise awareness about the risks posed by the flu.
"These were two people who were very fit, very healthy, very vibrant. That's why it's shocked the community so much. We're all still trying to make sense of it," he said.
While a final determination about Maria's cause of death had yet to be reached, Darrell said he had been told by hospital staff that she had Influenza Type A.
John was admitted to hospital on 26 July, just five days after his wife's death, where he was placed into an induced coma. He has not woken up since.
"I suspect that for John, the flu has been compounded by the grief. His immune system probably wasn't as strong."
Darrell encouraged those ill with flu-like symptoms to surround themselves with support in case they deteriorated - and not to hesitate to seek medical help.
"Both of these people went and got checked prior to their illness' escalating, but I want to encourage people to recognise that it's serious.
"This isn't just a cold, so don't tell yourself 'I'll be brave and push through'."
- This story was first published by Stuff.
