TRAGIC Lowton mum Kathryn Hawkins died just two weeks after the birth of her baby Holly.

Kathryn, 29, had been readmitted to Warrington General Hospital after being allowed out of hospital to the Stonecross Lane cottage she shared with her husband, construction worker Mike.

Because Holly was born two months' premature -- weighing a fraction under 3lbs -- the baby was being cared for in the hospital's neo-natal unit.

"Kathy collapsed and died through a blood clot," revealed her devastated father, former Leigh RL star Mick Martyn.

"It is hard to take in what has happened," said Mick, from Culcheth, who was on holiday abroad with his wife, Margaret when they were told the tragic news.

"Kathy was only 29 -- she was a healthy, robust girl, very popular and the life and soul of the party.

"Our first grandchild was due next month so we booked a holiday in Tenerife for the first week in January so we could be back for the birth.

"However baby Holly was born prematurely in December, weighing just under 3lbs.

"We were told the baby would have to stay in the premature baby unit for a month or so. With top class care she was, and is, doing fine." Kathy, her husband and other family members were always at the hospital with the baby.

So Kathy's mum and dad went on holiday last Friday in a happy frame of mind looking forward to helping out with the new arrival on their scheduled return two weeks later.

But they had only been in Tenerife two days when they got a tragic call informing them of their younger daughter's death on Sunday.

An horrendous 14 hour journey home followed with the grieving parents having to fly to mainland Spain then on to Luton, finally arriving by taxi in the early hours of Monday at their Culcheth home where family including Kathy's husband Mike, sister, Susan, and brother, Stuart, shared their sorrow.

Mick told The Journal: "Kathy was dearly loved and will be sadly missed, she was a friend to many."

Popular Kathy had worked at Edwards Grounds estate agents in Culcheth after leaving St Aelred's School at Newton and St Lewis's, Croft.

Her funeral takes place on Monday when a requiem mass will be held at 10am at St Luke's RC Church, Croft. The family have requested mourners make donations for Warrington neo-natal unit instead of sending flowers.

These may be sent to Unsworth and Wilcock at 489 Warrington Road, Culcheth or passed to family members.