Family of mum who choked to death proud of donation

Ms Simmonds family were unaware that she was registered as an organ donor

The family of a 33-year-old woman who died after choking in front of her toddler have said they are "so proud" after she donated seven organs.

Siobhan Rose Simmonds, from Dover, was cooking a meal for her family on 24 February, but was later discovered on the kitchen floor.

She was taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, but remained in a coma until she passed away on 1 March.r

Her family had previously been unaware that she had registered as an organ donor.

Her father, John Simmonds, said she was "so lovely, she was so bubbly, would help anybody.

"Everybody tried to help her survive but she just choked. It could happen to anybody," he added.

Her family say Ms Simmonds' partner, his son and her two-year-old daughter witnessed the incident.

After a week in hospital, they were told she would not be able to survive and that Ms Simmonds, who also has a 14-year-old son, had expressed her wish to donate her organs on at least four occasions.

After being made aware at the hospital, they agreed to the decision, with Ms Simmonds entering theatre for organ removal surgery on 2 March.

Her sister, Julie Barrett said she was "devastated" by Ms Simmonds' death.

But she added: "We're so proud of her. It's the one thing that's made us happy from all this."

'She's still walking'

Her heart, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and both corneas were transported to various recipients across the country.

Mr Simmonds added that because she had donated so many organs, it was as if "out there somewhere, she's still walking".

A crowdfunding appeal has also been launched to cover the costs of Ms Simmonds' funeral, and to support both her children. Her family said a "portion" would be given to mental health charity Mind.