A teenage son made a horrific discovery on Christmas morning, finding his mother dead just hours after she had returned home from a doctor's appointment with a seemingly minor diagnosis.
A Festive Day Turns to Tragedy
Louise McKenzie, a 38-year-old mother from Bootle, Merseyside, had visited her GP with her 18-year-old son, Reece Barrett, on Christmas Eve. She was told she had an inflamed pancreas but was reassured it was 'nothing to worry about'. The pair continued with their festive shopping before returning home to their XL Bully dog, Virgil.
That evening, Louise began to feel unwell, complaining of dizziness and a headache. She decided to rest while Reece went out briefly with friends. He returned home after she called to check on him, finding her asleep and snoring. 'I said "goodnight, I love you" and gave her a kiss, she said "Merry Christmas, I love you",' Reece told The Liverpool Echo.
A Christmas Morning Nightmare
Tragedy struck on December 25. When Reece woke up, he found his mother curled up on the bathroom floor. He desperately tried to wake her and performed CPR, at one point believing she had started breathing again. 'I think I knew straight away she had passed away. I just went into a panic,' he said. Paramedics were called, but Louise was pronounced dead at home.
It is now believed the 'loving' mother may have died from a brain haemorrhage. Reece said the headaches and dizziness were likely signs, but he 'had no clue' it was something so serious at the time. 'I hate myself that I didn't take her to the hospital, instead I told her to just sit down,' he added tearfully.
Life Turned Upside Down
Reece described his mother as a lovely people person who loved to joke and laugh. His world has been shattered. 'Her Christmas pyjamas are still upstairs; she'll never get to wear them,' he said. The pair had faced money worries recently, and Reece now faces losing their flat as he cannot afford the rent alone.
Louise's mother, Vicki Bradshaw, has launched a GoFundMe page to help Reece, who is currently staying with his girlfriend's family. Initially reluctant to ask for help, Reece realised he needed support during 'the hardest time' of his life. 'I'm going to have to live by myself on a basic wage. I had to sit there and accept the help,' he said.
