A HEALTHY young woman who dreamed of becoming a mum died less than a month after giving birth to her son.

Hayley Constable, aged 27, who worked as a team leader for an insurance claims company in Haslingden, was delighted when she became pregnant in July 2010, five months after suffering a miscarriage.

Baby Alfie was born at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury on March 27 this year, weighing 7lb 13oz.

Doctors had to carry out an emergency Caesarean section, as it was a long labour and the baby became distressed.

Miss Constable was given antibiotics the following day for a mild infection, and both she and Alfie were discharged the day after.

Alfie settled into life at home, in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, with mum and dad, Martin Fitzpatrick.

But a week later, Miss Constable returned to hospital after her Caesarean wound became infected.

She was transferred to North Manchester General Hospital, where doctors planned to clean out the wound, but she collapsed in theatre and was taken to intensive care and put on a ventilator after the operation.

The infection had caused her lungs to become inflamed and she was transferred to a specialist respiratory unit in Leicester.

Her condition seemed to improve, but she then developed a blood clot which spread to her brain.

Miss Constable was surrounded by her family when she died on April 22.

Her mother, Anne Constable, of Brierfield Drive, Walmersley, Bury, said: “The whole family is still in shock.

"Obviously people get infections all the time, but you don’t expect this to happen to a healthy young woman.”

The former Springside Primary and Derby High School pupil met her partner, Martin, more than two years ago through a mutual friend.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Hayley was the kindest, most loving, genuine person I have ever met. We were so in love. We did everything together and were rarely apart.”

An inquest will be held.

A date has not yet been set for a funeral, but Miss Constable’s family have asked for donations in her memory to be made to a trust fund for Alfie.

Donations can be made by contacting Kavanagh And Coates on 01706 623623.