Review of the Year 2019: October
Joy Morgan studied midwifery at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. - Credit: Herts Police/Uni of Herts
October saw the closure of a beloved high street store in Stevenage, the end of a high-profile murder investigation and the power of the community after a mum’s body was flown back to her family after a freak accident.
A police cordon was put up on Saturday, October 5 after a body was found in woodland in Norton Green. Picture: Matt Margesson - Credit: Archant
The month kicked off with the news that a body had been found in woodland just outside of Stevenage on Saturday, October 5.
The Morgan family were contacted and just days later the body was confirmed to be that of Joy Morgan, who was last seen in Ilford, East London in December 2018.
Detective Chief Inspector Justine Jenkins, from Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: "Joy's mum was just pleading to get her daughter back so she could say goodbye properly.
"She [Carol] is very sad, but she's also happy that she's got that final piece of the jigsaw really."
The University of Hertfordshire held a remembrance service after Joy's body was confirmed found. Picture: Fiona Souter - Credit: Fiona Souter
The University of Hertfordshire, where Joy studied nursing, also held a prayer service in her memory after the body was discovered.
October saw the community pull together to bring back the body of a former Lister Hospital healthcare assistant, who tragically died in a freak accident while holidaying in France.
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- 3 Five teenagers arrested following 'violent disorder' in Stevenage
- 4 Plans for second multi-storey car park at Stevenage's Lister Hospital to help 'better meet demand'
- 5 Three arrested after cannabis, cash and phones seized
- 6 Mental health crisis café to open in Stevenage
- 7 Can you spot your school at Stevenage's Commonwealth Games Day?
- 8 £3k thank you to Lister for pregnant wife's bleed on brain care
- 9 Lights stolen in Baldock burglary
- 10 North Herts Sanctuary announces plans to continue support amid service changes
Angie Dowsett had been touring France in a campervan with husband Malcolm when she fell from the steps of her vehicle, hitting her head on a kerb and causing a bleed on her brain.
Angie, 56, went into a coma and was put on life support as her family rushed to be with her. She sadly died three days later.
The family of Angie Dowsett launched a GoFundMe page to bring her body home after a freak campervan accident in Le Mans, France. Picture: Supplied - Credit: Dowsett family
More than 170 people donated to her GoFundMe page, which raised the £4,000 needed for her family to retrieve the body from Heathrow Airport.
Her daughter Kayleigh Clayton said: "If it wasn't for people's help in donating I don't know what we would have done.
"My mum would have been so proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves."
Finally, there were hugs, tears and heartfelt speeches as the tills rang for the last time in Waitrose - which had been trading in Stevenage's Old Town for 41 years.
Heartfelt speeches formed part of the final moments Waitrose in Stevenage Old Town. Picture: Julie Lucas. - Credit: Archant
One shopper said: "It's been a very welcoming place. To all the lovely staff, we will miss you."
Ashley Broad, Waitrose's regional manager, said: "We've been proud to serve Stevenage for more than 40 years and we wish the best for the town and residents in the future."
Waitrose was part of Stevenage's Old Town for more than 40 years. Picture: Maya Derrick - Credit: Archant
On its final day of trading shoppers praised the "welcoming" and "lovely" staff. Picture: Nicky Williams. - Credit: Archant
