A heartbroken mum died aged just 39 after "losing the strength to live" when her 11-year-old son was killed by a bus.
Adele Wigham saw her health deteriorate for three years after her son Nathan's tragic death.
She eventually suffered a fatal heart attack at home.
Nathan's dad James McStay believes she simply lost the strength to live after the death of their son.
Now, on the fifth anniversary of Nathan's death, James has revealed his ongoing agony, and told of his determination to keep going for the sake of Nathan's little brother Kyle, now 14.
The 46-year-old told Chronicle Live: "I have got to be a mam and a dad to Kyle now.
"After Adele passed away I went to see her and I promised her I would try my best to look after Kyle. It's been hard but that's what I have to do."
Popular Nathan died as he made his way home from school in Newcastle upon Tyne in February 2015.
He was hit by a Stagecoach double-decker at around 3.40pm as he ran to catch another bus on the other side of the road.
His injuries were so severe he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Karen Dilks recorded a verdict of accidental death after hearing how Nathan was seen by both witnesses and on CCTV running into the road.
In the months that followed James watched as Adele, whom he met when she was 16, struggled to cope with her loss.
“After Nathan died she just gave up," he said. "She just slept on the sofa. I used to have to hold her hand at night and listen to her cry.
"Her health went out the window after Nathan, she just didn't care about herself. She just put on a brave face for Kyle."
Adele suffered a heart attack in December 2017.
James said: "She was a really good mum. She would do owt for her kids. The kids had massive respect for her. We all did."
