Heather Finkill

1978 - 2008
LocationFarnborough Hampshire
Age30 years
Visitors3,227 since 10/01/2008
Creator

Tragically Heather died after being hit by a lorry in Farnborough Hampshire.
I didn't know Heather but I knew Heather's husband Ryan and family.
If Ryan or his family want to take over this site,add photos etc, please email me.
RIP Heather x

'Depressed' new mum killed herself by running on to motorway two weeks after having twins


A new mother who killed herself by stepping in front of a lorry on a motorway in her pyjamas had
given birth to twin girls just two weeks earlier, it was revealed today.

Tragic Heather Finkill, 30, is understood to have been suffering from post-natal depression after
giving birth to her first children.

In the early hours of the morning, she left her husband Ryan Finkill, 38, in bed and wandered
several hundreds yards from their home to the busy road.
She was then spotted running across the busy M3 motorway near Farnborough, Hants, before being
struck by the heavy goods vehicle at about 7am.

Mr Finkill had last seen Heather at 5am when he got up to feed the twins before going back to
sleep.

When he awoke to find she was not in the house, he immediately rang police and began searching for
her. But by then, she was already dead.

Police are not treating her death as suspicious but are interviewing healthcare professionals about
treatment Mrs Finkill, who was being visited regularly by midwives, was receiving for post-natal
depression.

A distraught Mr Finkill, of Pinewood Park, Farnborough, today released a statement on behalf of her
family, saying: "The loss of our beautiful Heather has devastated our family.

"No words can describe how we are feeling. We are numb with pure grief.

"Heather was my soul mate and a devoted wife. She leaves behind her twin two-week-old baby
girls.

"Heather was a kind and giving person who was loved so much by her family and many friends.

"How she came to die will be something we may never come to terms with. We all ask why, but
that is a question we cannot answer.

"We wish to pass our thanks to everyone who tried to help Heather."
Mr Finkill was today being comforted at his two-bedroom, terrace home by the local vicar.

Mrs Finkill's sister-in-law, Jane Ord, said the family - particularly Mr Finkill - had been
left grief-stricken by her death.

Mrs Ord said: "We are all absolutely devastated at the moment and in a total state of shock.

Flowers left at the roadside where Heather was killed

"My brother, Ryan, is completely in pieces - it has been terrible for him. He needs time to
come to terms with what has happened.

"Heather was such a lovely person - we all loved her dearly and this is an awful loss to the
whole family."

Dozens of floral tributes have been laid on a bridge over the M3 close to where Mrs Finkill died.

Sergeant Paul Plews, of Farnborough Police, today said: "This is an exceptionally traumatic and
tragic incident which has torn apart a very loving family.

"A fatal accident which involves two such young children at what should be such a happy time in
the family's life is utterly devastating.

"Heather and Ryan Finkill were both overjoyed to have their first children.

"There is nothing suspicious about Heather's death but one of the lines we have to follow
is a medical inquiry.

"When someone dies 14 days after giving birth, we have to ask whether there was post-natal
depression. "Our investigation would show that there were some signs but there was no
indication that she was planning to take her own life.

"It seems the medical profession were doing everything they could."

Mrs Finkill gave birth to the twins at nearby Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, on December 19 before
returning with them to the family home about 400 yards from the M3. Sgt Plews added: "At the
time, everything appeared normal and the family seemed very happy.

"It is incredibly hard to understand - they were a long-standing couple with a loving
relationship and then this happens. It really is a tragedy.

"What has happened has hit the Frimley Park maternity section very hard.

"Our investigation would seem to show they are an exceptionally professional group of people
who have done everything they can to support the family.

"On the morning of Heather's death, they were due to make a regular visit and as soon as
they heard what had happened, there were people there offering support."

It is understood that Mrs Finkill had not been taking anti-depressants at the time of her death.

Floral tributes to the "lovely" mother cover the Minley Road bridge overlooking the scene
where Mrs Finkill's body was found. Mrs Finkill's body was discovered on the north-bound
carriageway of the M3 on January 2 after she was hit by the lorry. Other cars then hit her body.

The shocked lorry driver pulled over and called police who closed the road near junction 4a for
eight hours to carry out investigations and search the area.

Hundreds of motorists, many London-bound commuters returning to work after the festive period, were
caught in the resulting gridlock.

Mrs Finkill was wearing size 20 to 22 pink pyjama trousers, a blue hooded top, white Nike trainers
and a diamond studded ring at the time.

A heart-shaped pendant on a necklace was found close to her body.

Police received reports of a person running across the motorway just before Mrs Finkill was struck.

Sgt Plews said: "A lorry driver pulled over and called us saying he believed he was the first
to strike her.

"It was dark and he said that he saw a figure at the very last moment in front of him and had
no chance of stopping.

"He could not tell us whether she was on the ground already.

"We have had reports coming through from other motorists saying they struck something as well
so she was probably hit by several vehicles."


Recent Gifts

Recent Tributes


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Hey Heather saw the girls for the first time in ages the other day at Dawns they have got so big and grown up. Isabelle have the tiniest of cuts on her knee but she complained about it all day. Lacey is just lovely they both are you would be so proud of your gorgeous girls. Missing you lots xxx

Tory Carpenter (Friend) June 30, 2009

a year since you have been gone

Auntie heather, i cant believe a year has passed since you were sadley taken from us, i still think about you all the time. Your little girls are one now and are beautiful just like their mummy and ryan is a wonderful daddy, i know you would be proud of him. It makes me sad that you wanted a family more than anything but you are not here to enjoy it, isabelle and lacey are so cheeky and are always smiling, everytime i see them i see you shining through and i know you are looking after all of us. Rest in peace heather, you are truely an angel. Miss you, clare Xxx

Clare Finkill (Niece) January 2, 2009

Christmas

Dear Heather just wanted to let you know I will look after your Dawn this Christmas as I know it will be tough for her. Hope you looking after my uncle up there he doesn't know the ropes yet but I know you'll show him. Have a lovely day Christmas day watching over your girls as they open their presents. Sleep tight Angel love you lots xxxxx

Tory Carpenter (Friend) December 23, 2008

This time last year was such a happy time, you had just had the girls and looking forward to your future, the family you'd always wanted. Christmas will not be the same without you. As the 2nd January draws nearer I still can't believe you are gone and still ask Why, I miss you so much my very special sister in law and friend.
Jane XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jane Ord (Sister-in-Law) December 22, 2008

Our Heather

For Our Heather

How could one so beautiful
Be taken from our lives
How could her lovely smile
Be hidden from our eyes

How will we ever move on from this
Not seeing her beautiful face
Not hearing her voice so caring
Just left with an empty space

A cruel blow has been dealt us
With not a chance to say goodbye
Left with unanswered questions
And rivers of tears to cry

Memories are what we have now
And these we will embrace
A family that pulls together
Is now left in her place

We will never forget you
A special person so true
Your lovely smile is in our hearts
Heather, ever so beautiful YOU.
NEVER FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS, SLEEP WELL BEAUTIFUL.

Jane Ord (Sister-in-Law) November 22, 2008

Update

Just a short note to let you all know as I promised how much money we managed to raise for APNI (Association Of Post Natal Illness) the total raised was £2,000. I know it raised awareness to over 90 young girls and mothers in my area, everyone was so generous and the support was overwhelming from all involved. I received a lovely letter from the charity mentioning Heather's individual case and offering their condolences and a big thank you for the money sent to them.
I have signed the petition mentioned in one of the entries below and fully support the campaign.

Elizabeth (Sister) August 20, 2008

You've left this world of ours, and now walk above the skies,
you must be the prettiest angel of them all...missing you x x x x x

Elizabeth (Sister) July 20, 2008

Looking at Heather's web site, saw your message Charlotte, only too glad too help anyone with this dreadful illness, e mail me and I will get you in touch with Rayn, I am his sister, e mail me at ord_jane@yahoo.co.uk. Heather was a wonderful, happy person, she was taken from us in the crulest way possible we will never get over her death and if we can stop just one family going through the pain we have everyday then we will help in any way that we can. Take care X

Jane Ord (Sister-in-Law) July 20, 2008

can anyone get in contact with Ryan or other family members

I would like to get in contact with Ryan or other family members to show them the campaign we have and the petition we are doing nationally. If anyone can help me that would be great.
Thanks
Charlotte - I too am suffering form PND.

Charlotte Fairall July 17, 2008

Wish to offer my condolence

I too am suffering from post natal depression and I have become involved in the charity www.pni.org.uk. We have set up a campaign to change the current support that is offered to mothers like Heather. We would like as many people to sign the petition that we have - this will be sent to downing street. The web address of the campaign is:
www.onechance.org.uk
I would like to offer my sincere condolence to Heather's husband and family and promise to do all I can to ensure this never happens to another family.
Charlotte

Charlotte Fairall (None) July 15, 2008
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