A Kirkby mum described as the "best in the world" died suddenly, leaving behind her four children.
Sharon Pape was a full-time carer to her son Kyle, who has Down's syndrome and autism, while also caring for her other children Sean, Paul and Jodie. Tragically, the 50-year-old died after suffered a stroke and brain aneurysm in June 2020, just before son Sean finished his second year of university.
Sean, now 22, described his mum as always having a smile on her face. He told the ECHO: "She had a stroke and a brain aneurysm. She was great, she was the best mum in the world. We couldn't have found a better carer for Kyle.
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"Kyle's non-verbal, has Down's syndrome and is also autistic. He also has a stoma bag. My mum went through it all and always had a smile on her face. She pushed me to do more and I wouldn't have done what I've done without her.
"My mum made me who I am and left a legacy. When she died it was the week before my 20th birthday. In the lead-up to your birthday, you're normally partying but I was preparing her eulogy to read out at her funeral."
After his mum's death in June 2020, Sean dropped out of the University of Hull where he was studying marketing and business management to go home and be with his dad and younger brother. Three years on and Sean is now back at university finishing his third year after bouncing between jobs.
He continued: "I was in university in Hull in 2020, I was in second year and I'd been accepted to study abroad in Germany but then covid happened. My mum passed away in June and I dropped out.
"I moved back home to help sure things up but it was a rough few years. I was just in limbo, I had jobs at a bar, I was a Deliveroo driver, I worked at a school and then at the new Morrisons in Kirkby.
"Last year I just thought I needed to get back on with my life. Everyone has to grieve and they just have to get on with it. I rang the university and explained to them the circumstances.
"In September I moved back to Hull but it was a challenge going from doing two years at university, to two years out and then going back. When I moved back I had my bike stolen and then my room got broken into. I got help from my family and friends and I'm back on track."
Sean has now set on a bike ride with his girlfriend Elishimma, travelling the length of the Liverpool-Leeds canal, raising money for disadvantaged children in Sri Lanka. With his girlfriend being from Leeds, he described it as "perfect".
Speaking the ECHO while riding in the wind and rain, he said: "This is hard but it's nothing compared to what I had to deal with at that part of my life. Who I am is all down to my mum. I would be a shadow of a man without her.
"The Liverpool to Leeds canal was a bike journey that my mum always wanted to do, sadly she didn't get round to doing it before she passed away. Not only do I get to do this journey to raise money for disadvantaged children, I also get to do it in memory of my beautiful mum who I know has been with me every peddle of the way."
He wrote on his JustGiving page: "In July, I am planning on volunteering in Sri Lanka. I will be focusing on the sports development program within an underfunded Sri Lankan school. Working closely with local governments and schools, I aim to strengthen sports development all over Sri Lanka and create a culture of inclusiveness as well as funding for equipment and facilities.
"For a month, I will be working alongside and helping a small Sri Lankan community grow and develop. Living in a hut and eating self-sustainably whilst making a positive impact in the lives of these children will be a great challenge and experience."
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