Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Charlie Wilson

Leeds mum-of-four, 28, tragically dies from rare genetic disorder which killed her own mother

A Leeds mum-of-four died from a sudden heart attack caused by a rare genetic condition which killed her own mother just 10 years earlier.

Jemma Fletcher, 28, from Middleton, died on Saturday after going into cardiac arrest due to complications from Marfan Syndrome, which is a disorder of the body's connective tissues.

Tragically, the Syndrome has now caused the deaths of three people in the Fletcher family with Jemma's mother and grandfather also dying from the hereditary condition.

To get the latest email updates from Leeds Live, click here.

Jemma was only diagnosed with the condition after her mothe, who died in 2011, was found to have Marfan Syndrome.

Described as a wonderful mother and a selfless friend, Jemma died at her home in Leeds on Saturday.

Jemma's auntie said: "Jemma was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul.

"She had the heart of a true walking angel. She never thought of herself, always others. She loved her family so much.

"To lose her like we did, it's so, so tough."

After the tragic death, Jemma's family hope to raise awareness of Marfan Syndrome, while also raising funds to pay for her funeral.

Her aunty said: "Marfan Syndrome has devastated our family for generations now, and we know that could be other people out there suffering who may not know it.

"We want to raise awareness of the condition, in the hope that others become aware and are diagnosed as quickly as possible.

"We'd also like to raise enough funds to honour her with a funeral - she deserves the best that we can give her."

The family have set up a Go Fund Me, which you can donate to by clicking the link here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.