Messages of support have flooded in following the devastating death of a pregnant mum.
Diane Judge, a loving mum who was seven months pregnant, died in the early hours of Wednesday, January 11 after suddenly falling ill. The 41-year-old from Birkenhead reportedly had trouble sleeping - but soon after fell ill very quickly.
Her partner Kevin Durrant, a steward at Tranmere Rovers FC, called an ambulance for her. But by the time it had arrived at Arrowe Park Hospital, Diane and her unborn child had died. Diane and Kevin had been together for nine years - and lived together with their three young children - Skyia Rose, five, Ethan James, four, and Emalia Rae, 15 months.
READ MORE: Seven months pregnant mum died on the way to the hospital
In a written statement provided to the ECHO, Kevin said: "I'm absolutely heartbroken. Diane was the love of my life, an amazing mum to our children and my best friend and I can't believe she's gone. There's a massive hole in our lives and she'll be missed forever.
"We were getting ready for the birth of our baby and so happy together. I keep hoping it's a bad dream that I'll wake up from. All of our money went towards our children. I'm only 35 and she was 41 and you don't expect to have to plan for something like this at our age. I just don't know how I'll be able to pay for her funeral."
Diane's sister, Suzzane Judge, also paid tribute to her late sister calling her a "shining star" who was "always the heart of the party".
Following the ECHO's story, readers quickly rallied around Kevin and his young family by offering messages of support and condolence. Margie and Kenny Black said: "We are so sorry to hear such heartbreaking news. Our condolences go out to [her] loving husband, three children and all family and friends. RIP Diane."
Lisa Sweeney said: "Sending big love, hugs and caring thoughts to the gorgeous family. My heart goes out to you all. God bless. RIP heavenly angels." Mel Vaughan added: "Heartbreaking. Thinking of her poor children and family at this devastating time."
Writing on a GoFundMe page set up for the family, one person said: "Can't even imagine the pain - I'm so sorry for your losses." Another commenter added: "I don't know you personally but my heart goes out to all the family. RIP - two lovely lives lost."
The devastating news was broken by Nicola Palios, the vice chairwoman of Tranmere Rovers. Ms Palios wrote in a moving social media post that Kevin had suffered "the most appalling tragedy" when Diane died. In a statement to the ECHO Ms Palios said: "It is absolutely tragic that Kevin is suddenly having to deal with the loss of both his partner and his baby, whilst being the sole carer for their three young children, all of whom are aged five or younger. I sincerely hope that together we can raise sufficient money to ensure that they do not have to worry about paying for a funeral on top of everything else.”
Ms Palios' post prompted further support from associates of the League Two club, including Charlie Still, the head groundsman, who added: Kevin is a great, kind man and a face I always look forward to seeing on matchday. Devastating news and my thoughts are with him and his family."
The GoFundMe, created by Tranmere Rovers' employee Andy Doyle, is raising money for "funeral costs and any family support". Mr Doyle, who also runs two supporters' groups, thanked people for sharing the fundraiser. It has currently raised around £2,400.
Ms Palios, who has already donated to the fundraiser, wrote: "An absolutely horrendous thing to happen to anyone. Our thoughts are with Kevin and his young family."
You can donate to the fundraiser to support Kevin and his family here.
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