Mother-of-three dies of blood clot (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Mother-of-three dies of blood clot

ONE of the most well-known and popular figures in Watermoor, Cirencester, died suddenly last week, leaving a big gap in the local community.

Mother-of-three Nicky Kinson, 40, a school crossing patrol officer in Watermoor, not far from where she lived with her husband Nigel and her children aged 21, 18 and 12, complained of pains last Tuesday after going home from work.

An ambulance was called but she died before reaching hospital. The cause of death was later diagnosed as a blood clot.

This week her brother-in-law, Malcolm Wall, described Mrs Kinson as a friendly, bubbly personality who made friends easily.

"She was quite a shy person really but like a lot of shy people she sometimes liked to break out and she did some crazy things, like dye her hair green, or bright red," said Mr Wall.

"She was into handicrafts and made cards and jewellery but her main interest was her family. She was very much a family person and will be very much missed."

An added distress to the family was the fact that flowers left on the bench in Watermoor where Mrs Kinson often sat when she had no-one to help across the road, were later taken.

Mr Wall said several bunches were left on Wednesday but were taken before the family had time to see them. More bunches and a pot of flowers were taken the following day and yet more flowers removed on Friday.

"I'm not sure if you can actually steal flowers that are left as a tribute but I hope whoever took them really enjoyed them," Mr Wall said.

Mrs Kinson was a lollipop lady in Watermoor for eight years and this week the parents of the children whom she saw safely across the road for so long paid tribute to her.

Jackie Walter said Mrs Kinson was a popular figure.

She said: "You always saw her with the kids, she was always there chatting with them."

Nicola Hurst walking her daughter to Cirencester Junior School was shocked to hear of Mrs Kinson's death. She said: "She was there everyday. She was very popular and very helpful. She would take the children across that difficult bit of road. It is such a shame, she was so reliable.

"We could see her waiting from our house and she was always there."

Ann Rumsey, who lives opposite the Kinson household, said her children had been very fond of their local lollipop lady.

She said: "Before my youngest started school he always used to go and clap hands with her and she was lovely. She would always see them across the road, whatever the weather."

A funeral service for Mrs Kinson will be held at Watermoor Church at 11.30am tomorrow, Friday. All who knew her are welcome to attend.