Sharon Todd, a 48-year-old shopkeeper from south Manchester, died on 6 April after suffering a cardiac arrest at work. She was placed on life support for a week before being declared brain dead, and her organs were donated, helping two people.
Her husband Darren, who was in his early 50s, died on 16 July. He had been rushed to hospital after severing an artery in his leg while operating a forklift at work, and suffered a heart attack during emergency surgery at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
The couple, from south Manchester, were parents to a 17-year-old and a 23-year-old, who have asked not to be named at this time.
Tribute from family friend
Shelbie Wells, a close family friend who described Sharon as her 'unrelated auntie', told the M.E.N. "Darren was always funny, always cracking a joke." She said Darren was his son's best friend, and that Sharon had an ear for everyone, was on the darts team and would speak to everyone, calling her a lovely, kind person.
She said: "They were both just amazing people and amazing parents; they were both loved by their children. After Sharon's death, Darren found it difficult losing Sharon."
Shelbie said everything had been shocking for all of them, and none of it was expected, as they were both so young. The daughter and son are being supported by close family and friends as they pick up the pieces.
GoFundMe launched for the children
Shelbie, 30, has set up a GoFundMe page to support the couple's daughter and son as they grieve. The money will help with living costs, housing and transport. So far, £2,295 has been raised.
She told the M.E.N. "It's all a bit shocking. I speak to them all the time and it's hard for them to come to terms with it."
She added: "I feel like it's not real, everyone is really struggling with their loss because they were loved in the area."
