Sheffield widow tells of heartbreak after wife's migraine-like symptoms turned out to be deadly blood clot

A widower has told of his heartbreak after his wife's migraine-like symptoms turned out to be a deadly blood clot on her brain.

Natasha Hewitt, aged 35, was given antibiotics and painkillers for a suspected ear infection by doctors after she attended a walk-in centre in December of last year.

But two days later, she was admitted to hospital where she was diagnosed with a large blood clot called a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She was transferred to a specialist brain unit for surgery, but tragically died two days later.

Her husband Nick, aged 42, said: “Everything seemed perfect. We were actually trying for another baby.

“However, that all changed when Natasha started complaining of feeling poorly last December.

“The last time I saw Natasha open her eyes was when she was transferred. We hoped and prayed that she would pull through but sadly she didn’t.

“We got to spend our last final moments together. It was absolutely awful feeling her hand go cold and the colour in her face change, I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

“Natasha was a beautiful soul, there was no bad in her; just a kind and caring person."

Natasha, from Sheffield, first complained of pain which had moved from her back and into her head and left ear on December 11 last year.

She took strong painkillers and managed to go Christmas shopping with Nick and their baby son, Harry.

During their last shopping trip together, the couple bought Harry his first pair of shoes.

But her pain continued and she had migraine-like symptoms and struggled to stand up without feeling dizzy.

The following Wednesday, she attended a walk-in medical appointment at which she was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers for a suspected ear infection.

Two days after first being prescribed antibiotics, Natasha - who had a history of blood clots - was admitted to hospital.

Natasha, who was studying for a business management with accounting degree through the Open University, was transferred for specialist surgery later that day.

Surgeons operated on Natasha to relieve pressure on her brain on December 17, but tragically she died at around 1am the next morning.

Heartbroken Nick added: "Natasha sought medical advice but she didn’t seem to be improving; in fact she looked to be getting worse.

“Natasha was unable to look after Harry and I felt powerless to help her.

"It got to the point where I thought enough was enough and she needed to go to hospital.

"She couldn’t stand up, she was vomiting, her speech was confused. She couldn’t even keep water down.

“After arriving at the hospital I was taken into a small room and offered a hot drink. That’s when I knew how serious it was.

"I sat at her bedside speaking to her as she was unresponsive. I held her hand and cried whilst saying 'I’m so sorry'."

Natasha and Nick had suffered 11 miscarriages and two failed rounds of IVF before they found out they were expecting Harry.

She was diagnosed with a blood clot in her placenta at 25 weeks pregnant and doctors took the decision to deliver Harry 14 weeks premature in July 2021.

The following month, Natasha also received hospital treatment for a blood clot on her lung.

Nick has now instructed medical negligence lawyers to investigate Natasha's death.

Rosie Charlton, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Nick, said: “While nothing can bring Natasha back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide them with the answers they deserve

“Blood clots can be incredibly serious and need to be treated quickly.

"If during the course of the inquest any issues in the care Natasha received are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”

An inquest into Natasha’s death was due to take place today (September 20), but has been adjourned to September 21, and is expected to last two days.