Heartbreak as St Helens woman dies suddenly on holiday in Turkey

Despite having no prior health issues, Kate Thornton died of a suspected cardiac arrest on Tuesday, June 28, while on holiday in Turkey.

Known around St Helens for her work with men's mental health charity HIMvisible - which she helped to create with her husband Steve - Kate is said to have spent her life constantly trying to better herself and others.

Working on the administrative and promotional side of HIMvisible in her spare time, the digital marketing manager was in Turkey celebrating a "life-changing" new role which was one of her life goals.

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Kate Thornton died suddenly on holiday in Turkey on Tuesday, June 28

After going through their own individual struggles, Steve said: "Me and Kate were in such an amazing place and she had just resigned from her job two weeks ago to take on a life changing new role this September.

"She had finally got what she wanted in life and it felt like the Universe was finally realigning before she was cruelly taken away."

Kate with Steve and his sons Cole and Kade

Describing his wife as his "soul mate", Steve, from Newton-le-Willows, added: "Kate had such an amazing energy. She really was one of those people who came into a room and people would just gravitate towards her.

"She was a huge character that always put other people first [...] and we ploughed our time and money into HIMvisible because she believed in it and it was our passion to help others."

Kate is described as a "huge character that always put other people first"

In addition to the grief befalling Steve and the family, the fact that Kate has died abroad has posed enormous difficulties in returning the body for her funeral.

A complicated process is now underway which involves registering her death, receiving a translated death certificate, and having an inquest into the circumstances of her death in Turkey.

Steve - who spent five days assisting the Turkish authorities last week - then needs to receive authorisation to embalm and fly the body home before a further coroner examination can take place in the UK.

With the "horrendous" situation possibly costing the family upwards of £10,000, a fundraiser has been created to help cover the costs of the repatriation and funeral process.

Steve with his "soulmate" on holiday

Steve added: "People have been coming round to show their support but because I have so much I have to do, I've found it really difficult to find the time to grieve.

"Everyone's comments shows just how loved she was but it's a horrendous situation at the moment.

"I just want her body back over here so I can finally put her to rest.".

To donate towards the repatriation and funeral process for Steve and the family, you can visit this link.

Kate leaves behind a husband, two step-sons, her parents, and beloved dog