A family "only have pictures left" of their Liverpool-mad dad after he died in a tragic accident at home.
Louise Rogan told the ECHO her "world ended" when her partner and dad to her two children Noah and Jack went into a coma after an accident at home. Louise, 39, said Michael, who she always called Rogie, had a "tragic accident" when he fell down the stairs in their home just days before their wedding day in May 2021.
Michael was rushed to hospital with a "catastrophic brain injury" and Louise was told the unimaginable - his bleeding was uncontrollable and surgery was not an option. Louise, dressed in full PPE covid gear, and Michael were blessed at his hospital bedside, and Louise placed Michael's wedding ring on his finger.
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Michael died just days after the couple 'married'. He was 33. Speaking to the ECHO, Louise said: "Rogie was a really special man. He was gentle and kind. The boys were his world. We were just a normal, happy family who couldn't wait to get married.
"We were just days away from our wedding day. I have so much peace knowing he was around people who loved him. Our relationship was like a fairy tale - just without the happy ending." Louise said Michael was an organ donor and saved five lives because of it. She added: "Even after he died he was still helping people."
The mum-of-two told the ECHO she did not know how she got through the months after Michael's death. She said she "had to instantly step into the role of mum and dad" because she didn't want the boys' lives "tarnished more than they already had been".
Louise, who lives in County Kerry in Ireland, said: "Christmas and birthdays can be difficult. Sometimes there will be tears but we have a cry and then go out and do something. I have only recently had the chance to grieve because I was so focused on making sure the boys' don't suffer.
"Life goes on. You have to smile. Michael would want me to carry on and live his life for him. He had so much more of his life to live. We have to just keep going.
"The boys only have photos and memories of their dad now. I was always taking photos when we were together as a family. People said I was photo-mad. I'm so glad I did now so the boys can see their dad. You don't know the importance of a picture until it's all you have left."
Louise met Michael when she was living in Australia. The pair instantly bonded because of their shared love of Liverpool FC. Louise added the club and the city of Liverpool has been a "welcome distraction" for Jack, eight, and Noah, five to help them in the grieving process after their dad's death.
Louise, who works part time for a gas company, and the boys were sent a letter by Jurgen Klopp following Michael's death. And just last month, the three were in Liverpool where they watched Liverpool v Wolves and toured Anfield.
Louise, who will be back in the city later this year for her 40th birthday, told the ECHO: "I always joked I was Michael's first love and Liverpool was his second. My family and I are so grateful to the people of Liverpool. Liverpool people have helped us more than they will ever know. The club is so special - it is the best club in the world.
"The boys are massive Reds - there's no way they wouldn't be. They will look at photos and see their dad wearing a Liverpool shirt and know he's there looking over them on match days.
"When I heard You'll Never Walk Alone for the first time after Rogie died I was emotional. But now I know it's a real thing. I know our family will never walk alone."
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