"Broken heart" theory in young widow's death

Jeanette Fields, who died just two days before the third anniversary of her husband's death, could have died of a broken heart, her stepfather said today.

Mrs Fields leaves behind a daughter Kylie, 12, and son Jack, 11, who lived with her in Laurence Grove, Selby.

The two children were on holiday with their natural father, Adie Ward, of Brayton, when they were given the devastating news.

Her heartbroken family said today that the post mortem revealed Jeanette had died of pneumonia - but her stepfather Eric Judson believes she never got over the death of her husband.

Philip Fields died in 1997 after losing his battle against cancer just two years after marrying Jeanette.

Jeanette's stepfather Eric Judson, 57, a taxi driver, said she had "not been right" since her husband died.

Speaking at his home in Abbots Road, Selby, Mr Judson said: "Jeanette was devastated by Philip's death. She never got over it and had been in hospital several times for tests.

"They were very close and very happy, and did everything together. Whether it was that which did for her no-one will ever know, but in my view it could have been a broken heart."

Mr Judson said Jeanette was a Selby girl who was well-known and well-liked by everyone she knew, and doted on her children.

She and her mother Pat, 59, were both keen darts players and had won two ladies pairs' championships in Selby, playing for the Boy & Barrel.

Mr Judson is also trying to come to terms with a second tragedy. His wife is in hospital undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer last month - although he says she is determined to be at the funeral service.

He said: "I'm just trying to take every day as it comes. I've had my share of knocks but you have to keep going."

Mrs Fields' sister Coleen Healey, who also lives in Abbots Road, Selby, was too distressed to comment. She also leaves a brother, James.

Her funeral will be held at St Mary's RC Church, Selby, at 10am tomorrow.