Mystery death explained

2:22pm Friday 25th April 2008

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A post-mortem examination has revealed that tragic mum-of-four Joanna O'Callaghan who died suddenly while breastfeeding her youngest daughter, died from a rare heart defect.

Mrs O'Callaghan, 38, from Westcroft, Chippenham, died from a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, which is linked to sudden death syndrome, on April 10.

The condition, where the heart suddenly enlarges, could have been brought on because Mrs O'Callaghan was eight weeks pregnant.

There was standing room only at Mrs O'Callaghan's funeral on Wednesday at St Mary's Church.

Her son Kieran, 20, said: "The funeral was lovely and a real send off for mum.

"There were so many people who all wanted to come and pay their respects and it was heart warming. The graveside was awash with flowers from everyone and it made a very hard day a bit more comforting.

"We are glad that we now know how my mum died but there are still questions niggling away at me slightly."

Mrs O'Callaghan collapsed and died at her home while breastfeeding her four month-old daughter Ruby.

She was discovered by her 13-year-old daughter Libby who called the emergency services.

Mrs O'Callaghan was airlifted to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon where she was officially pronounced dead.

Now Kieran is preparing to look after his sisters Katie, 15, Libby, 13, and baby Ruby with the help of his mother's partner Paul Deville, 37.

Kieran said: "We are all trying to look to the future now and try and install some normality back into our home.

"My mum's death and her funeral were both so surreal and I think it will take a few months for everything to settle in properly.

"I was due to backpack around Australia later this year but have cancelled my trip to stay here with my family.

"I would just like to thank everyone for their support over these terrible couple of weeks."

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in one in 10,000 pregnant women and is the biggest cause of sudden death syndrome.

After the funeral, family and friends gathered at The Bear Hotel to celebrate Mrs O'Callaghan's life.

Kieran said: "Everyone was swapping stories about mum and it was nice to hear that she was so popular."