THE husband of a woman who died while celebrating her dream job in Turkey has finally been able to get her body back to the UK.
Despite having no prior health issues, Kate Thornton died of a suspected cardiac arrest on Tuesday, June 28, while on holiday in Turkey.
In addition to the enormous grief felt by Steve and the family, Kate's death caused intense difficulties in trying to get the body home for her funeral.
READ > Heartbreak as St Helens woman dies suddenly on holiday in Turkey
This involved registering and translating her death certificate from Turkish to English and waiting for authorisation to embalm and fly the body home before a coroner's examination could take place.
Despite a "horrendous" two-week period that could cost the family upwards of £10,000, Kate's body has now been successfully flown back to the UK.
An inquest into her death confirmed that the 42-year-old suffered a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot, to the heart.
Steve, who founded men's mental health charity HIMvisible with Kate, said he has been blown away by the support during this period, as well as by the countless tributes to his late wife.
To help with the repatriation process and funeral costs, the community has helped to raise almost £6,000 for the family.
READ > Tributes pour in for St Helens woman who died suddenly in Turkey
Describing his wife as his "soul mate", Steve, from Newton-le-Willows, said: "The amount of support I've had has just been amazing.
"I've had so many messages of support and condolences from family and friends, and also people I don't even know but have been through similar things.
"I want to thank each person for their generosity and condolences.
"The tributes for Kate show how loved she was so I'm glad she can finally be put to rest and we can remember her magical life."
People are welcomed to pay their respects at Kate's funeral on Monday, August 1.
Her cremation ceremony will take place at 2pm at GreenAcres Rainford, Blindfoot Road, Rainford, St Helens, WA11 7HX.
The funeral reception will be held at Windleshaw Sports, Windleshaw Road, St Helens, WA10 6TD.
People can also stream her cremation service via this link with the username bido9802 and password 445739.
To continue raising money for the funeral costs, visit this link.
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