A mum died shortly after giving birth to her fourth 'precious baby', and only got to hold her once.
Vicky Cormack, from Stockbridge Village, was due to have her fourth child in January 2024 but doctors advised her to undergo a C-section a month early. Complications during surgery caused the hospital to put her to sleep, a sleep from which, tragically, she never woke up.
She died suddenly on December 7 aged only 36, having only managed to meet her new-born daughter once before her death. She left behind friends and family including husband Joe, son Casey (13 months), and daughters Megan (13), Paige (12) and baby Poppy (3 days).
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Best friend, Natalie Farrell, 35, told the ECHO: "We're all absolutely devastated, the kids have been left without a mum just before Christmas.
"Her husband is not speaking too much, obviously. You don't expect your wife to go to have your daughter and not come home.
"Me and Vicky were best mates since we were little. We went to school together and lived two minutes from each other. I've never known not having her around."
Natalie said that Vicky didn't have life insurance, making a terrible situation for her bereaved family "all the more difficult". Friends have decided to set up a fundraiser to cover the costs of a funeral and make Christmas a little easier for her children.
Michael Collins, who organised the fundraiser, posted: "I’m trying to raise enough funds to cover the cost of a funeral after a very sudden death of Vicky Cormack(mee) who sadly passed away on Thursday 7th December after bringing her precious baby into this world.
"Vicky had a c-section and baby has arrived well and healthy, unfortunately there were complications. Vicky age 36 managed to meet her daughter and had the pleasure of holding her but shortly after passed away, also leaving behind her 3 other children and heartbroken family & friends.
"I am trying to raise as much money as possible to give Vicky's children and family the send of that she deserves. Any donations will be much appreciated."
Natalie said: "We're not in a position to pay for the funeral we want to give Vicky a proper send off. We also want the kids to have what they asked their mum for at Christmas."
Vicky's fundraiser can be found here.
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