Family of woman who died at Gatley Railway station issue tribute

The family of a woman who sadly died at Gatley Railway station in Stockport in November 2020 have today issued a tribute.

Her sister, Maya Hedges, said: “Kate Hedges was an incredible young woman, 35, with a passion for life and a gritty determination to heal herself and better her life for her and her son.

“She had dreams of completing a PhD following obtaining a 2:1 degree in creative writing and pursued many short courses in reiki, crystal healing and colour therapy.

“She worked for elemis, a job she absolutely loved, here she studied facial massage as well as various skin care therapies. She had a feisty spirit and an enigmatic soul, she was everyone’s friend, she had not one bad bone in her body.

“Kate struggled for most of her adult life with her mental health but always looked for an answer for why she felt so different and why she battled with herself on a daily basis.

“She danced, sang, wrote poetry, short stories and even spoken word, she had a bright vocabulary and a real way with words. Kate was a determined, nurturing mother and found so much joy raising her son alone, she worshipped the ground he walks on and did everything to make sure he was happy.

“A loyal friend an amazing sister, gorgeous daughter, fun aunt but most of all a doting mother.

“Anyone who met Kate, for sure would never forget her. She spoke out for things she believed in she stood her ground and would not accept anything below standard. She wanted to help the people around her and herself and took great pleasure in studying crystals and researched their healing powers.

“One of Kate’s favourite places was Formby beach, here she would charge her crystals by moonlight and swim in the sea. Always full of new ideas, many successful business ventures, when Kate spoke people listened, she lit up any room she entered, her enthusiasm for life made the closest people to her realise anything is possible.

“During her stay in hospital Kate stood up for other female patients and began a walk for justice for women who have been mistreated.

“Kate’s pride and joy was her son, she fought tooth and nail for him to have the access to a good education, which has resulted in him wanting to pursue a career in psychology to "understand his mum better", he has big dreams to become a psychologist and move to America and as a family we will support that and make sure we take over where Kate left off in fighting for him to have every opportunity in life.

“Kate really was wild at heart and lived life as a free spirit, this is something she passed onto her son, to speak out, to live your best life, enjoy every day as if it were your last, to find joy in the smallest of things and appreciate the people around you but most importantly to love and be kind to yourself.

“We as a family would like to thank each and every person who has supported us during this immensely difficult time. Kate was loved so much by everyone. We would also like to reiterate to anyone feeling depressed or suicidal to please reach out and ask for help, you are not alone, you are loved and the world needs you. Thank you.”

British transport Police officers and paramedics were called to the station at around 1.45pm on Friday 27 November following a report of a casualty on the tracks.

Following an investigation at the scene, the incident was determined not to be suspicious. Officers are in the process of preparing a report for the coroner