Hearts have gone out to a family this week, after a mum-to-be passed away from a suspected case of meningitis.
Imogen Petrak, who was already mum to 17-month-old son JB, was 36 weeks pregnant with daughter Eleanor when she began to feel ill.
She went to hospital on July 14 with what she believed were the symptoms of an ear infection. After an examination, however, doctors realised that there was something much more serious at play.
It is believed that Imogen was suffering with bacterial meningococcal.
Doctors acted swiftly, delivering Baby Eleanor via emergency C-section. Sadly, however, they were unable to save Imogen, who had suffered ‘catastrophic brain damage’.
A fundraising page was set up for the family over on GoFundMe (link here), where family friend Renee King shared a number of devastating updates.
In one photo, sent to Renee by the family, little JB is seen being brought over to his mother’s bed so he can plant one final kiss on her forehead.
Paying tribute to Imogen, Renee wrote: “Imogen was loved by all that crossed her path. She had the biggest heart and sweetest loving spirit. An incredible selfless mother and cherished wife.”
Appealing for help for Imogen’s widower, John, and their two children, Renee called on kind members of the public to give generously at this difficult time.
“I am in awe of John’s strength, his outlook, despite such unthinkable circumstances. His faith is so unwavering,” she wrote.
“Please, please join me and help. I am completely undone, for babies so small to lose their mother, and a husband losing not only the mother of their children but his life partner, his beloved wife.”
“Please help me help them. Help me give him a year not having to worry about working or paying the bills, to give him time to figure out what life is going to be looking like for them now without his wife and his children’s mother.”
Our hearts go out to John and his family at this time. We are thinking of them, especially little Eleanor as she continues to receive care in hospital.
