Families pay tribute to tragic ‘soulmates’
GRIEF FOR COUPLE WHO DIED AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR IN HOSPITAL GROUNDS
A COUPLE who died after they were both hit by a car in the grounds of a hospital have been described by their grieving families as ‘inseparable soulmates’ who were ‘blissfully happy’ together.
Clare Haslam and Deborah Clifton were seriously injured on a car park at Withington Community Hospital on Tuesday after a green Ford Focus collided with several pedestrians.
Sadly both Clare, 44, and Deborah, 49, died from their injuries shortly afterwards.
Their families issued a joint statement in tribute to them. In it they said Clare and Deborah were ‘like an old married couple’ and added: “They are together in heaven as they were on earth.”
An 89-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until April 18.
Clare and Deborah, who lived on Thorneycroft Avenue in Chorlton, were described by their families as ‘made for each other.’
In the statement, their families said: “Clare was popular and wellliked by many.
“She was so full of life, but as a young lady she was really lacking in self-confidence until she met Debbie.
“Her and Debbie became inseparable and did practically everything together including raising their adorable little girl.
“Clare and Debbie were like an old married couple, they would fight like cat and dog, bicker at the slightest thing but ultimately they were made for each other, so blissfully happy and without doubt soulmates.
“Debbie would have been celebrating her 50th birthday this May and was so excited about the news of a new grandchild on the way. Debbie comes from a large loving family who will miss her very much.
“Clare was a much-loved daughter, sister and auntie. We are all so heartbroken and will miss Debbie and Clare every day for the rest of our lives. They are together in heaven as they were on earth.”
Flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy. Emergency services were called to the hospital at around 2pm on Tuesday.