Devoted to the very end

DEVOTED . . . Irene and Brian Wood

Joint funeral for loving couple
A JOINT funeral takes place today of a devoted Hollins couple, who died within 10 days of each other.

Relatives say Brian Wood died of a broken heart. He collapsed the day after his wife Irene was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His devoted wife succumbed to the disease 10 days later.

Irene (67) had been suffering ill-health for a while when tests confirmed she had cancer on January 6.

The next day, Brian (72), who had angina, collapsed as he was leaving a pub. He was rushed to hospital but died an hour later.

Irene’s health deteriorated and she died in hospital on January 17.

The couple had lived together for around 30 years and were about to celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary.

Irene’s daughter Elaine Oldham, from Clarksfield, said: “They were very close. I don’t think Brian could take it.

“Hearing the news about my mum had a big effect on him. I think he died of a broken heart.

“We are just dealing with it and getting on with it. We have not had time to stop and think about it.”

Irene leaves three other children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The service and committal takes place at Oldham Crematorium.