Tributes for 'amazing' mum, 41, who collapsed and died while seven months pregnant

Andy Wells
Updated

Tribute have been paid to an "amazing" mother-of-three who collapsed and died on the way to hospital while pregnant with her fourth child.

Diane Judge, who was seven months pregnant, died in the early hours of 11 January after suddenly falling ill.

The 41-year-old, from Birkenhead, Merseyside, reportedly had trouble sleeping so left her bedroom and went downstairs before partner Kevin Durrant saw that she had fallen very ill and called an ambulance.

Sadly, Ms Judge and her unborn child died by the time the ambulance arrived at Arrowe Park Hospital.

Ms Judge and Mr Durrant had been together for nine years and had three young children – Skyia Rose, five, Ethan James, four, and Emalia Rae, 15 months.

Diane Judge died on the way to hospital after having trouble sleeping. (Reach)
Diane Judge died on the way to hospital after having trouble sleeping. (Reach)

Paying tribute to his partner, Mr Durrant described her as an "amazing mum" who will be "missed forever".

He 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."

A GoFundMe page has now been set up to help Mr Durrant pay for the funeral.

Nicola Palios, the vice chairwoman of football club Tranmere Rovers, where Mr Durrant works as a steward, 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.

Diane Judge, pictured with sister Suzzane Judge, had three children with partner Kevin Durrant. (Reach)
Diane Judge (left), pictured with sister Suzzane Judge, had three children with partner Kevin Durrant. (Reach)

"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.”

After Ms Palios' announcement, associates of the club rallied around Mr Durrant and his young family with messages of support.

Charlie Still, the head groundsman at the League Two club, said: "Kevin is a great, kind man and a face I always look forward to seeing on match day. Devastating news and my thoughts are with him and his family."

Former manager Ronnie Moore added: "What awful news. My thoughts are with Kevin and his children at this sad time."

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