Mum, 33, dies days after major lung surgery

LUCY ROUE

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 33-year-old mother-of-two who died 10 days after opting to have major lung surgery.

Louise Cooper, of Metcalfe Road, Stanfields, decided to have part of her lung removed to combat a respiratory disease.

She had been on antibiotics for months with a persistent cough and was later diagnosed with M-Kansasii, a bacteria which can lead to tuberculoses.

Louise underwent the surgery at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire on April 16.

But she suffered two cardiac arrests on April 22, fell into a coma and was pronounced dead on April 26.

Grieving relatives today described Louise as a "happy-go-lucky tomboy who was always smiling".

Mum Julia Cooper, aged 59, of Beckton Avenue, Tunstall, said: "She was a lovely girl. My daughter was my world and she will be sorely missed, especially by her two boys.

"They keep asking when mummy will ring on the mobile. She always kept in touch even when she was in hospital, so it is very hard for them."

Louise was a devoted mother to James, aged 15, and Elliot, aged eight.

She had decided to go ahead with the operation to give her more energy to play with them.

Laundry assistant Mrs Cooper added: "She tried to live life to the full but she often got very tired and had to lie down.

"After she was diagnosed she would tell me that she just didn't feel herself anymore and that she knew something was wrong."

Louise had attended Mill Hill Primary School, in Tunstall, before moving to the town's Brownhills High School.

At 17 she became a mother to her first son with partner Michael Hanks.

Her brother Andrew Cooper, aged 39, of Tunstall, who works as an electrician, said: "Louise was a great mum.

"We didn't realise that she was so ill and I think she would try to keep it to herself when she was in bad pain.

"When she found out that she had a lung disease she was concerned because it could have been the same as our father's."

Their father Alan Cooper had died aged 51 from organ failure.

He had also suffered with a genetic disease and TB during his life which meant the family had to be screened after Louise's diagnosis.

Andrew added: "We were all so worried that she had been diagnosed with a similar disease and in October 2010 we were all screened for TB."

The family had thought last month's operation had been a success and Louise did return home for a day.

Mrs Cooper added: "She seemed positive and was looking forward to being at home."

But the athletic mum was later taken into intensive care where she was put on a life support machine.

After stem cell tests the doctors had to inform the family that there was no hope.

Mrs Cooper said: "They told us that Louise was an organ donor which we knew nothing about.

"It was her dying wish to help others and we are proud of her for that."

Louise's aunt Doreen Brown, aged 58, of Windmill Avenue, Kidsgrove, said: "She was a beautiful woman and will be forever young.

"We were all so shocked when we found out that she was back in hospital."

It is not known whether an inquest will be held into Louise's death. A date for her funeral has yet to be confirmed.

To pay your respects to Louise, email tributes@thesentinel.co.uk.