Tributes paid to Beccles woman who worked tirelessly to help others
Carol died suddenly after suffering a stroke and a brain hemorrhage. Picture: Courtesy of the Shuttleworth Family - Credit: Archant
The family of a Beccles woman have paid tribute to a wife, mother and grandmother who was “selfless until the end” after she donated six of her organs to save the lives of others.
Carol (far right) with her family. Picture: Courtesy of the Shuttleworth Family - Credit: Archant
Carol Shuttleworth died suddenly last week after suffering a stroke and a brain haemorrhage.
The 59-year-old had always expressed a desire to donate her organs when she passed away and, as friends and family stood by her side at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, they knew there was no doubting what to do.
“Once the staff said there was nothing they could do for Carol, my first thought was organ donation,” said Keith Shuttleworth, Carol’s husband with whom she had two sons, Craig and Ben.
“The care she received in A&E, intensive care and from the specialist donor team was second-to-none.
Carol was known within the local community for putting the needs of others before her own. Picture: Courtesy of the Shuttleworth Family - Credit: Archant
“She wasn’t left alone once and we could go in and out as we pleased to see her; I cannot commend the staff enough.”
At 11pm on Tuesday, November 21, Carol went into surgery and six of her organs were successfully donated.
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It was a gesture made with the wellbeing of others in mind, something that Carol was famed for within the local community.
“All mum ever did was help people; she was involved with so much in Beccles and other towns,” said Craig and Ben Shuttleworth.
Carol’s family have been determined to honour her memory with a show of strength that reflects her infectious personality. Picture: Courtesy of the Shuttleworth Family - Credit: Archant
Keith, who met his wife when they were teenagers, added: “We ran life-saving classes with juniors at Bungay swimming pool and with adults in Lowestoft.
She was a level two kayaking coach and helped out with Beccles Sea Cadets, the fire service and so much more.
“The hundreds of cards we’ve received show just how many lives she touched.”
Despite having to cope with such a difficult and sudden loss, Carol’s family have been determined to honour her memory with a show of strength that reflects her infectious personality.
Husband Keith hailed his wife as "selfless until the end" after she donated six of her organs to save the lives of others. Picture: Courtesy of the Shuttleworth Family - Credit: Archant
“Carol’s character was so strong and that has helped us to be strong now,” said Keith.
“She was small in stature but big in attitude and heart.
“It’s said that the best things come in small packages and that was Carol.”
A celebration of Carol’s life will take place at Waveney Crematorium next Friday, December 8 at 3.30pm, before a wake at the Bear and Bells pub. Those attending are asked to wear bright colours.
