Food bug theory in sudden death of mother on holiday

FOOD poisoning may have caused the death of a mother-of-two while she was on holiday with her family in Dubai.

Helen Illingworth, 43, from Shelf, near Halifax, was found lifeless in bed by her husband, Neil, who has been left baffled by what killed her and a post -mortem examination has provided no answers.

More tests are being carried out and Mr Illingworth claimed officials are investigating whether her death could have been caused by food poisoning.

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Several unexplained deaths in the country are being looked at. He said the theory was one of several and it could be months before the family knew what happened.

Mr Illingworth said: "She was a very loving wife and mother and was always there for people.

"Often she cared more for other people than she did for herself."

Mrs Illingworth was on holiday with her husband and two children, 16-year-old Hannah and 18-year-old Mark, when the tragedy happened.

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The couple were due to have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary as Mr Illingworth battled to revive his wife while his daughter called an ambulance. He said Mrs Illingworth had felt shivery one night and then had complained of a splitting headache. She also had a stiff neck, but they thought it was a bug and hoped she would be OK.

Mrs Illingworth was a graphic designer who also ran Slimming World clubs in Brighouse, Northowram and Bradford. Her family travelled to the Cairngorms in Scotland to scatter her ashes following her funeral on August 4. Mr Illingworth said she loved the area

A collection at her funeral service which was held in Buttershaw, Bradford, and other donations raised more than 400 for Breast Cancer Care.

Mr Illingworth said the charity was a favourite of his wife after her mother died from the illness.

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