Fulwood woman who died in childbirth from extremely rare complication to be remembered

Vital funds are being raised in memory of a young Preston woman who tragically died during childbirth last year.

Rebecca Ryding, 28, from Fulwood, passed away last April from an extremely rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) after the birth of her first child, Vincent.

Now, almost a year on, Rebecca’s mother Jo Neville, from Cottam, along with Rebecca’s partner Pete O’Neill, along with baby Vincent and wider family and friends, are holding a special fundraising event on 7 March at BAC/EE Social and Sports Club, South Meadow Lane, Preston.

All money raised from the event, along with a JustGiving fundraising page which is approaching £2,000 in donations, will go to the Wellbeing of Women charity which spearheads research into reproductive health.

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Jo said: “Becca never met her little boy and it was just such a shock to everyone.

“She was so bubbly and fit and healthy and just incredibly well loved by everyone who knew her.

“Her and Pete had great careers, a lovely home and their baby was going to be the icing on the cake. All she ever wanted to be was a mum, but she never got that chance.”

Rebecca and Pete with their two dogs Poppy and Cooper who Jo says Becca adored

AFE is when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream during childbirth and can, in some cases, cause fatal complications affecting the lungs and heart.

Rebecca, who grew up in Grimsargh and attended St Cecilia’s RC High School in Longridge, went onto to forge a successful career at Reeds Rains in Preston.

Jo said the outpouring of kindness from friends and fellow colleagues since her daughter’s death had been a source of great comfort, but the 7 March event would be their chance to celebrate Rebecca’s life.

She said: “It would have Becca’s birthday on 12 March and this fundraising event is about celebrating the love we all had for her and raising as much money as we can at the same time.”

Tickets are still available for the event, which will run from 3-11pm, and are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children. They can be bought by contacting Jo on 07872580244 and she is also looking for prizes for the raffle and tombola on the day.

Rebecca’s friend, Becki Mcateer, will also be running a half marathon in June in aid of Wellbeing of Women in memory of Rebecca.

The JustGiving page in Rebecca’s memory is listed as Joanne Neville is fundraising for Wellbeing of Women.

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