Just 53 Hours Later My Sister Was Dead

Lisa was so excited to be a mum but no one saw the tragedy ahead. Here, sister ally Ziemniak, 43, explains

This photo of my sister, Lisa, cradling her newborn baby is one of my favourite pictures. I’ve never seen her look more happy or content. But as much as it brings a smile to my face, I can’t help but feel sadness, too. You see, it’s the last photo we have of her. none of us could ever have imagined what would happen next…

Although Lisa and I were very different – I was the quiet one while she couldn’t stop talking – we’d always been close. we’d phone each other every day and would catch up each week with our mum, Judith.

Then, in october 2013, she asked to come round to mine, saying she had some exciting news. mum was there too with my dad, Robert, and my husband, aaron. ‘I’m having a baby,’ Lisa squealed, excitedly.

I knew she’d make a great mum. she was already a fantastic aunt to my five children, sam, then 19, annie, 16, Jessie, 11, Heidi, eight, and Tilly, six. But her news came as a bit of surprise – her twoyear relationship with her partner was more down than up. although I wondered how she’d make it work, her happiness was infectious and I couldn’t help feeling pleased for her.

Making plans

As her bump grew, I made sure I supported Lisa – going along to all of her scans and appointments.

And if she had any aches or pains she’d call me up for reassurance. ‘You’re like my own personal midwife,’ she’d joke. But her pregnancy went well and soon she was making plans for the future.

Finding out she was having a boy, she bought a lovely blue outfit to bring her son home in from the hospital. ‘we can even share the school run,’ Lisa said another time and I laughed at her, galloping away with ideas for years down the line.