Loving husband fundraising for Bluebell Wood in wife's memory

Sarah Lewis, 36, from Harthill in Rotherham, died suddenly after suffering what was thought to be a throat infection.

She was found by her husband Steve and 13-year-old daughter Megan on the sofa, unresponsive, after they returned from football practice, and despite attempting CPR, there was nothing they could do.

Sarah tested negative for coronavirus and was found to have died as a result of breathing difficulties caused by a condition called epiglottitis.

Steve, 51, a former soldier, said: “She was the most loving, caring person I’ve ever known.

“Every person she came into contact with just fell for her.

“She was such a lovely, softly spoken and kind person.

“She was the heart and soul of our family and she was my rock, supporting me when was on deployments to places like Iraq and the Falklands Islands.

“She was a very special lady and she was my true love.

“I really don’t have the words to do her justice.”

Through a fundraiser set up on Facebook, the family has already raised more than £1,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Steve continued: “Sarah always liked Bluebell Wood and she was very complementary of their work, and was a big family woman too.

“It only seemed right to make something positive out of her sad passing. It’s a very traumatic experience for us all – but we just want something good to come out of it.

“The fundraiser we set up really shows the outpouring of love and affection for her.

“People from all over the country, if not the world, shared incredibly kind words about Sarah and pledged money.

“The love people have for her is just unreal.

“If this fundraiser can improve someone’s life then that’s such a positive thing.

“That’s all we want to do now to honour Sarah.”

Sam Wood, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to Steve, Megan and all Sarah’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“It’s clear from the outpouring of love for Sarah that she was a truly remarkable woman.

“We’d like to thank you all for thinking of Bluebell Wood at this time in such a wonderfully kind and moving way.

“Such generosity really does make a huge difference to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society, who need our help more than ever right now.”

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