A MOTHER-OF-ONE who fell while rollerblading has died after her family allowed doctors to remove her life-support.

Caroline Place had suffered severe brain damage after falling backwards while rollerblading for the first time in South Park, Darlington, twelve days ago.

The 44-year-old, from Gainford, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, was not wearing a helmet, having left it in the car when she went into the park with a friend.

On Saturday, the complementary therapist's husband, Paul Place, was told by doctors at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, that even in the unlikely event of her surviving, she would have little quality of life.

Last night, Mr Place, who shared a belief in Buddhism with his wife, described the heart-breaking hours leading up to her death, when it became apparent a decision must be made on whether the life-support was removed.

Mr Place, who played a key role in the redesign of South Park five years ago, said: "I had spent a lovely hour with her.

"It was one of the few times I have been with her on my own, and I was just trying to do that very human thing of trying to get a sense from her about how she would want to play it if the doctors were to ask for a decision."

While there he played her a film of her kicking leaves around with her son, Daniel, five, in South Park.

"I thought the sound of Daniel's voice would be lovely for her to hear," he said.

Shortly afterwards, a senior consultant approached Mr Place and said they were ready to hold the discussion.

He said: "She told me that the brain damage was so extensive that there would be no hope of her having any quality of life if she did pull through.

"We decided to stop any intervention."

Mrs Place was breathing on her own, but after the decision was made, food and fluid tubes keeping her alive were removed.

Mr Place said: "I went back in to say my goodbyes to Caroline. I honoured her in a very Buddhist way and then walked away. I knew that it was the last time.

"Daniel could see I had been crying. I said 'mummy is nearly gone', and he had a good cry too.

"About an hour after getting home the nurse rang and said Caroline was taking her last breaths," he said.

"As I was on the phone she passed away.

"I had a good cry, but there was a great sense of release for Caroline as well."

Mr Place said he had taken great comfort in visiting Saltburn beach, one of his wife's favourite places.

Last week he took a stone from the beach and took it to her bedside and yesterday (SUN) morning, he returned the stone to the sea.

"I wanted to feel her presence again," he said. "I needed to return the stone."

Mr Place said that although the funeral plans had not been made, in keeping with Mrs Place's wishes, a party would be held to celebrate her life.

"We want to remember her the way she was - fun," he said.

*Mr Place wishes to source a life-size cut-out of his wife's favourite actor, Colin Firth, for the funeral. "If she knew Colin Firth would be there in any shape or form she would be delighted," he said.

If you can help please contact Jim Entwistle on 01325-505072 or email jim.entwistle@nne.co.uk