Mum-of-three, 39, collapses and dies while giving eulogy at her 81-year-old father-in-law’s funeral
A MUM-of-three, 39, collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack while speaking at her father-in-law’s funeral.
Sarah Healey, of Staines, Surrey, “suddenly fell to the ground” as she delivered her eulogy at an emotional service held for Roy West, 81, who had died of cancer.
The nurse leaves behind a heartbroken family, partner James West, and children aged 16, seven and six.
Sarah’s mum, Gladys Healey, said: “Sarah was one of those who spoke in tribute to the father of James.
“However, Sarah suddenly fell to the ground during her eulogy.
“It seems that Sarah had suffered an attack of arrhythmia or a cardiac arrest.”
The grief-stricken parent added her that her daughter had no history of heart problems and the “sudden death” left them “devastated”.
She added: “It was a terrible blow to our family.
Losing my older and only sister has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced.”
Sarah's sister, Trisha Healey
“It was a blow to her partner, who had just lost his own father.
“It was a blow to the three young children left behind and it was a blow to Dave, I and Sarah’s younger sister, Trisha, who was at the ceremony with us.”
SUPERMUM
In addition to taking care of her three children, Sarah specialised in oncology and treating cancer patients at work as a highly qualified nurse.
The mum-of-three ran her own successful clinic, the Sarah Healey Aesthetics at Thames Valley Athletics Centre in Eton, Windsor.
She had even been in the process of developing her own aesthetics business at the time of her tragic passing.
Sister, Trisha Healey, said: “Losing my older and only sister has been the hardest thing I have ever experienced.
“I spoke to her daily and we had an extremely close bond that only sisters will experience.
It was a terrible blow to our family. It was a blow to her partner, who had just lost his own father.”
Sarah's mum, Gladys Healey
“Life will never be the same but I find planning things with friends, talking and crying when you need to with no shame has helped.”
Meanwhile, Sarah’s dad, Dave Healey explained how he has tried to focus on work.
“One of the most valuable things I have learned is that, rather than falling into absolute despair, you can try to do something worthwhile in memory of the loved one. I think it is important advice,” he added.
Where to seek grief support
Need professional help with grief?
- Child Bereavement UK Childbereavementuk.org
- Cruse Bereavement Cruse.org.uk
- Relate Relate.org.uk
- The Good Grief Trust Thegoodgrieftrust.org
- You can also always speak to your GP if you’re struggling.
You’re Not Alone
Check out these books, podcasts and apps that all expertly navigate grief…
- Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast.
- The Madness Of Grief by Rev Richard Coles (£9.99, W&N): The Strictly fave writes movingly on losing his husband David to alcoholism.
- Terrible, Thanks For Asking: Podcast host Nora McInerny encourages non-celebs to share how they’re really feeling.
- Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who’ve suffered sudden loss, like the authors who both lost their mums.
- Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips.
- How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death.