Tributes have been paid to a couple who were both battling liver disease after the two “soul mates” died – just 27 HOURS apart.
Tragic Jocelyn Irwin, 39, who suffered from epileptic fits as a result of her illness, passed away at 4.13pm on October 6.
Her partner Darran Michael Taylor, 41, who was working as a self-employed electrician as also he battled liver disease, then died at 7.30pm the next day.
Their son Darran Patrick Taylor, 21, said his dad “gave up” because he didn’t want to live without his mum.
Paying tribute to his parents, he added: “There was no way he could live without her.
“They were soul mates and loved each other a huge amount. They didn’t always show it but they had such a strong bond. It was great to see.
“It was a huge shock when they died. I knew straight away that my dad would struggle.
“He wouldn’t have wanted to live without her and he hasn’t. I think he gave up.”
“It’s left me heartbroken but I’m hoping they are in a better place now and are at peace. That’s what they deserve and it brings me comfort to think that.
“They were the perfect parents. Their love will stay with me forever and I need to stay strong for the rest of the family.”
The couple, who lived in Derby, had both been fighting liver disease for three years with Jocelyn spending a lot of time in hospital.
Darran said his parents shared a love of music, with his dad having a passion for reggae music and his mum being a former step-dancing champion.
He added: “My mum was strict but was really kind-hearted and showed her emotion.
“She was a very loving mum but my dad was different. He didn’t show his emotion or his love but underneath the exterior, I knew he loved me and protected me.
“He’d be the sort of person who would stand up for me straight away.
“My mum was the same. She wouldn’t take rubbish from anybody and she was very straight. She also had a great sense of fun.
“I’m really proud of my parents. They’ve provided with me so much love and support over the years.”
More than 100 people attended their funeral on Thursday 5 November as the loving couple were carried to the service in separate horse-drawn hearses marked “Mum” and “Dad”.
Darran, who is the couple’s only child, said: “The service was perfect and was exactly what me and the family wanted.
“The love and support I’ve received from family and friends has been amazing. I couldn’t have done all of this without them.
“I loved my parents so much and I’m going to miss them for the rest of my life. To see them both die so close to each other is tragic.”
