TODD FITZGERALD
AFIT and healthy mum who worked in Stockport collapsed at a gym and died ten days later after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Rebecca Luisa Ortiz fell to the floor in front of a trainer at the gym earlier this month and passed away in hospital just over a week later.
The 40-year-old was fit and healthy and had showed no signs of illness.
Rebecca, from Burnage, leaves behind 14-year-old daughter Alexia.
She is already understood to have given the gift of life to one seriously-ill person after her liver was donated – and medics could save more people with her other organs.
Devastated friends and family have flooded Facebook and Twitter with tributes to the well-known beauty therapist.
Rebecca worked at Beauty and the Ink in Heaton Chapel, but was planning to set up her own business with close friend Claire Clarke.
In a moving Facebook post, Beauty and the Ink owner Laura Ashley said: “Rebecca was a kind and caring woman who has always been there for each of us, with her words of wisdom and inspiring outlook on life. She will be a great loss to us all.
“We will not forget you, Rebecca, and we’re grateful for the opportunity of having you a part of the team.
“To Rebecca’s clients – you were making her dreams of rebuilding a business in the beauty industry with her best friend possible.”
Rebecca’s cousin Christina Ortiz said: “She was fit and healthy, this was so unexpected.
“There was no sign of this happening. It was so quick, just 10 days. It was a total shock.
“Rebecca donating her organs was typical of her kindness. She helped so many people.”
Medics at Salford Royal battled to save Rebecca, immediately operating to stem bleeding on the brain when she was admitted.
Despite their best efforts – and her brave fight – Rebecca lost her battle on Sunday, January 15.
A fundraising page to support her family has already raised more than £1,000.
Dozens of tributes to Rebecca were posted on Facebook.
Natalie Jade Magill said: “A beautiful person, a kind soul and a wonderful mother who lived life to the fullest.
“Our hearts are breaking for you, your family and your closest friends.”
Natalie Kwan posted: “I know you’re in heaven now and God is looking after you. You’ll make a beautiful angel, Rebecca.”