Memorials to tragic mum unveiled

TRAGIC death . . . Allison McCaffery, who contracted swine flu shortly after giving birth

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

THE family of Royton mum Allison McCaffery, who died of swine flu weeks after giving birth, have unveiled a memorial at her favourite beauty spot.

The 26-year-old fell into a coma after contracting the virus the day after having Jacob on January 8 last year.

She was transferred to the Royal Brampton Hospital in Chelsea where she received specialist treatment but died six weeks later when her organs began to fail.

Allison’s husband Gareth, of Charles Street, Royton, had to learn how to deal with the loss of his beloved wife as well as cope with a new-born baby.

His parents Audrey and Alan, and Allison’s mum and dad, Julie and David Astley, supported him through the tough time and Jacob, now 14 months, is thriving.

Gareth and both sets of parents, along with 50 of Allison’s friends and family, travelled to Monkey World in Dorset to celebrate a series of fitting tributes.

Staff have planted a tree in Allison’s memory as well as installing a bench and a paving stone with the inscription “Allison McCaffery, loved by all who knew her”.

The memorials were funded by donations made at Allison’s funeral.

Gareth, who works part-time at Bid Vest Logistics in Royton, said: “Allison loved monkeys and we visited Monkey World when we went on holiday just before she died so it seemed fitting to have a tribute for her there.

“It was really nice to go and visit with people who knew and loved her and think about Allison. She would have been very happy with the tributes.

“Myself and others have already been telling Jacob all about his mum and we’ll tell him lots more as he gets older and show him lots of photos. We will visit Monkey World together so he can see the tributes and think about his mum.

“It was very hard at first coping with a new-born and dealing with Allison’s death but I had a lot of support from family and friends and Jacob kept me busy.

“I would like to thank everyone who made a donation at Allison’s funeral and the staff at Monkey World for creating such a fitting tribute.”