An inquest has been opened into the death of a “bright and beautiful” North Staffordshire woman. Elyse Foster was just 22 when she died at the Royal Stoke on the afternoon of October 17 last year.
The care assistant, from Cheddleton, had been diagnosed with a rare cancer called thymoma in early 2024. However, her mum Kirstie Tittensor told StokeonTrentLive her daughter was “fighting” and “winning” her battle.
On October 7, Elyse was in the hospital’s critical care unit following surgery when she stopped breathing and suffered a cardiac arrest. Although she survived, tests sadly revealed that she had sustained a significant brain injury and her life support machine was switched off 10 days later.
The inquest into her death was opened on Monday before being adjourned for a date to be fixed. The hearing took place at Stoke Town Hall and was held by coroner Emma Serrano.
Elyse Joy Foster’s celebration of life took place in a stunningly decorated marquee in the grounds of Ashcombe Cricket Club in Cheddleton, Leek, on Friday November 29
(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
Shortly after Elyse’s death, we reported that her grieving mum Kirstie was demanding answers from the Royal Stoke. She had also registered a complaint due to concerns over her daughter’s care, telling us she was “so so broken and upset”.
When we approached University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust for a response, medical director Matthew Lewis said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Miss Foster and are in communication with them regarding their complaint.”
More than 100 mourners paid their respects to former Westwood College school student Elyse during her funeral in November last year. She was described as the ‘Queen of Snapchat’ and a lover of TikTok.
Elyse Joy Foster’s celebration of life took place in a stunningly decorated marquee in the grounds of Ashcombe Cricket Club in Cheddleton, Leek, on Friday November 29
(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
Elyse was said to have a big passion for travelling, having visited Egypt, Zante, Paris and the Canary Islands, to name but a few. She was also a brilliant singer and dancer, and would entertain the residents at Treetops Court Care Home who loved her dearly.
A GoFundMe page launched by close friend Caitlin Taaffe raised over £13,000 to help with the funeral costs.
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