Grieving mum thanks Fleetwood for town's amazing support after daughter's death

A heartbroken mum has thanked the community of Fleetwood for helping her family through the trauma of losing her daughter.

Stacey Atkinson says the incredible support of the town, including cards and messages from strangers, has helped her and the family cope with the sudden and unexpected death of daughter Brooke O’Connor.

Brooke, aged just 23, was found at her home in Fleetwood on April 11 this year.

She leaves two young children, Blake, aged three, and two year old Mason, who are now being cared for by their dad, Stephen Perkes.

Because of the restrictions of the coronavirus lockdown, the family could not hold a church funeral, as St Wusltan’s RC Church was closed in line with lockdown rules.

But many people did pay their respects by lining the streets of the town when Brooke’s coffin, carried in an elegant horsedrawn carriage, passed by on its way to Fleetwood Cemetery for the graveyard funeral on April 28.

And many of them wore pink and waved pink balloons and banners in a special tribute to Brooke.

Stacey, 42, of Carr Road, Fleetwood, said: “I truly cannot thank this town enough for the love and support that was shown.

“Even during these difficult times, only having 10 people at her grave side and all the other restrictions, hundreds of people turned out and lined the streets wearing pink, with pink balloons and banners.

“I just want to express my gratitude for all the support and love that was shown for my beautiful girl.”

The carriage passed the homes of key people in Brooke’s life.

It started off outside Stacey’s home and made its way past St Wulstan’s church on Poulton Road.

The carriage passed the home of her dad David O’Connor, of Chatsworth Avenue, the home of her paternal grandparents David and Barbara O’Connor, also of Chatsworth Avenue, and her maternal grandparents, Elaine and Albert Atkinson, of Westgate.

At Fleetwood cemetery, a poignant funeral service was led by Father Alf Hayes, parish priest of St Wulstan’s RC Church.

Stacey added: “Brooke was a very loving and caring person who touched a lot of people’s lives.

“Our family would just like to thank Mrs Witton from Cardinal Allen who always supported Brooke in her school days and was there on the day of the funeral to pay her respects.

“We have really been supported by Darcy Stoney who was Brooke’s best friend, and would just like to thank all Brooke’s friends as she had too many to mention.”

Brooke also leaves an older brothger, also called David O’Connor, and little sister Summer Van Bogerijan.

An inquest will be held at a later date.