‘We just hope that lessons can be learned’

The families of the two pensioners whose deaths were linked to a salmonella outbreak at a Blackhall butchers’ have paid tribute to their loved ones.

Following an inquest into the deaths of Sandra Blake and Stewart Graham, Mr Graham’s daughters Sarah Cowling, 39, and Joanne Stephenson, 41, expressed relief, saying it had been a “long journey”.

Durham County Council dropped a prosecution case against Chapman and Sons in July 2019, and no evidence was put forward by prosecutors at Durham Crown Court.

Following the hearing, Mrs Blake’s husband paid tribute.

He said: “She was my soulmate and the best wife, mum and grandma anyone could wish for. To see her so poorly was absolutely heart-breaking. We were all praying she would pull through but to be then told she had developed sepsis was devastating.”

Sandra’s daughter, Tracey Moseley, added: “Losing our Muminthewaywedidis something my family will never get over.

“Most people have heard of salmonella but I’m not sure everyone realises how dangerous it is. We just hope that lessons can be learned to protect others.”

Mr Graham’s daughter, Paula Conway, 45, paid tribute to her father and said: “Dad was the linchpin of our family. He always saw the best in people and was always there for us.

“We all adored him but it wasn’t just us. He was wellknown and well-respected in the area from his days coaching and nurturing hundreds of young footballers.

“Nothing can turn the clock back but we’re grateful that at least we have answers as to what happened. All we can hope now is others don’t have to suffer like our family has.”