The tragic deaths of a former Guisborough teacher and her tiny baby have today inspired grieving family members to repay medical staff who battled to save them.

Helen Muir died from a brain tumour just hours after giving birth to her first child Isobel. Weeks later, her devastated loved ones had their prayers for the baby girl shattered when she also lost her battle for life.

The double tragedy hit them so hard that they have been unable to talk about it until now.

But today husband Steve, 36, parents Eric and Anne Moran and sister Jane Moran announced plans to organise a fundraising campaign to say thank you to hospital staff.

Jane said the dedication and commitment from staff at James Cook University Hospital was "inspiring".

"They treated Isobel so well, recognising, tiny though she was, her personality and what she liked and disliked," she said.

"The nurses nicknamed her 'The Lady Isobel', as it became evident she was able to wrap them around her little finger and get her own way."

The family became aware during the ordeal that much of the basic equipment needed to care for babies in the neo-natal unit relied on donations.

They asked that donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the neo-natal unit - and they have now launched a major fund-raising campaign.

Helen worked as a teacher in Guisborough from 1992 and was given the devastating news of her brain tumour when she was five weeks pregnant.

She was admitted to the hospital in Middlesbrough on August 8 last year after suffering headaches.

"There was no improvement in her condition and on August 10 Helen was given an MRI scan," said Jane. "The results were devastating. She was diagnosed as having a malignant brain tumour.

"On August 11 Helen had an operation to put a shunt into her brain to relieve the swelling. It was successful but the long-term prognosis was not good.

"Helen's primary concern was her baby and, at this stage, the baby had managed to survive the brain surgery endured by her mother and was alive and very much kicking."

Helen was due to have a second operation to remove the tumour on August 22 but her condition deteriorated.

Jane said: "On the morning of the operation Helen's breathing deteriorated to the extent that she needed to be put on a life support machine, and a further scan revealed the breathing problems were caused by the tumour.

"It was agreed that the operation should go ahead. Helen survived the operation but it was discovered that the brain tumour was a secondary and her illness was terminal.

"After her operation Helen was taken to the intensive care unit.

"She was unconscious and on a life support machine but she was given care exceptional to none. The staff were caring towards her family and ensured that all Helen's needs were met with respect and dignity."

Jane added: "While in the intensive care unit Helen was given steroids to help develop the baby's lungs. Unfortunately on Monday, August 29, Helen's body began to fail and the decision was taken to deliver the baby.

"Helen died the next day, the day before her 37th birthday, having never woken from her operation and only 20 days after being diagnosed."

Isobel, who was born weighing just 1lb 8ozs, was taken to the neo-natal unit and she remained there throughout her short but precious life, said Jane.

"Unfortunately, in what can only be described as a tragedy for the family Isobel died on October 29," she said.

* Anyone wishing to help the fundraising can contact Jane at