Tributes paid to mum found dead in bed by three-year-old son

Steph Evans with boyfriend Ben Widdup

Tributes have been paid to Steph Evans, a young mother from Rochdale who was found dead in bed by her three-year old son Alfie-James.

Steph, 25, originally from Greave, died at her home in Todmorden on Monday 24 November

Steph, who had dilated cardiomyopathy - a disease in which the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body is decreased, went to bed on Sunday night complaining of pain in her shoulder. The next morning, after boyfriend Ben Widdup had left for work, she was found by her son.

Steph’s boyfriend Ben said: “She was fine when I left at around 7am. It has just come as a massive shock. It was just so sudden and unexpected.”

He has described Steph as a “happy, fun and outgoing person who would do anything for anyone, especially her children.”

Steph, who was mother to Alfie-James and 18-month-old Leyton-Baylee, was told she would not live past the age of two years old and would never have children.

“The boys are doing better now. They have settled since it happened. It was horrendous at first because they were up throughout the night and couldn’t settle. They know something has happened but I don’t think they understand exactly what has happened yet,” added Ben.

Since she died, the community of Todmorden has come together to help Ben, Alfie-James and Leyton-Baylee.

Ben said: “The support from everyone has been overwhelming. Everyone has been brilliant.”

A fundraising page has also been set up in memory of Steph to help with funeral costs and to ensure that her sons have a good Christmas. So far the page has raised over £1,700.

“Any money that is left over after the funeral and Christmas will be put in a fund in Steph’s name for a heart foundation. Because of her heart condition I want to set up something in her name,” said Ben.

Details of a funeral are yet to be confirmed.

The fundraising page can be found at:

http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/in-memory-of-stephie-/268267