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Family’s heartbreak as Dover mum, 33, dies after choking on food while cooking family dinner

20:11, 13 March 2024

updated: 13:48, 14 March 2024

A “tender and loving” young mum tragically died after choking on food while cooking a family dinner.

Siobhan Rose Simmonds, 33, was discovered on the kitchen floor at home in Dover by her two-year-old daughter, her partner and his son.

Siobhan Simmonds with her youngest daughter
Siobhan Simmonds with her youngest daughter

Ms Simmons, who also had a 14-year-old son, was taken by ambulance crews to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

But after a week in intensive care, the family were told she would not recover and she was pronounced dead.

Her loved ones have been left “absolutely devastated” – but are also proud of her decision to donate her organs, a wish she had expressed on at least four occasions.

The family was made aware of this at the hospital and say it was “the one bit of solace we had”.

A week after Ms Simmonds collapsed, they said goodbye to her on Saturday, March 2, while her heart was still beating and she went to theatre in the early hours for organ removal surgery.

The mother-of-two was cooking a meal at home in Dover on Saturday, February 24 when she choked
The mother-of-two was cooking a meal at home in Dover on Saturday, February 24 when she choked
Ms Simmonds was a support teacher in Dover
Ms Simmonds was a support teacher in Dover

Her organs were transported to various recipients across the country.

Ms Simmonds donated her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and both corneas.

One of her eight siblings, Susan Ababte, told KentOnline that the family is “completely devastated” by the loss but has “never been more proud”.

“Siobhan was a very funny child and grew up to be such a funny adult. She always wanted to make people laugh,” said the 46-year-old.

“When I walked down to the theatre with her when she donated her organs I have never felt so proud in all my life.

Ms Simmonds has been described as a 'tender' mum who 'always made people laugh'
Ms Simmonds has been described as a 'tender' mum who 'always made people laugh'
Siobhan Simmonds was one of eight siblings
Siobhan Simmonds was one of eight siblings

“There was no hesitation from any of the family because we knew it's what she wanted to do.”

Ms Simmonds was a support teacher in Dover and had her first child at the age of 19.

Despite being a young mum, Ms Abate described her as a “natural”.

“Siobhan was such a tender mum,” she said.

“She was always dancing, playing and teaching her children. She was a natural.

Ms Simmonds donated her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas, and both corneas
Ms Simmonds donated her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas, and both corneas

“We are all completely devastated.

“We have a lot of siblings but there are none to spare.”

Family members have now set up a crowdfunding page to help pay for the young mum's funeral.

They have raised more than £3,000 so far.

In the appeal, the family wrote: “Those of you lucky enough to have met Siobhan will remember the loving nature she inherited from her parents, Bernadett and John.

“Siobhan was a naturally caring and special person who with her quirky sense of style loved life and life loved her.

“Siobhan would probably hate this post asking for any help with funeral costs but we could really do with anything to help give our Bon the send-off she deserves.”

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