A MOTHER recalled how Sir David helped her say her final goodbyes to her son after he died abroad.

Janice Oliver, 68, was among thousands of residents who lined the streets to pay their respects to the MP yesterday.

Her son, Stephen, was 30-yearsold when he collapsed and died while out with friends in Corfu, Greece in October 2009.

Speaking outside the Southend West Conservative Association yesterday, she revealed how authorities told her that her son’s body would not be brought to her home.

However, after Sir David’s intervention, the body was taken to the home in Southend so she could say goodbye.

Echo:

She said: “The whole day was absolutely so moving and I still can’t believe what happened.

“He helped me lots in the past and it wasn’t only me that he helped, he would always do what he could.

“When Stephen died abroad of sudden death I couldn’t get help and I just wanted Stephen home in the house, but I wasn’t allowed.

“We called David and he helped us to have him home and got him home and even came to see us.

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“He took it all up in Parliament and helped to get all reports into the death translated from Greek.

“He was a wonderful man and he shall be so missed and will be in my heart forever.”

Her granddaughter also carried out work experience with the late MP.

She became emotional at the The Iveagh Hall Conservative Club in Leigh as the horse drawn procession passed through.

Echo:

Other Southend residents were keen to share their memories of the MP.

Rita Roth said: “I think it’s very sad that this has happened. I used to travel with him to London for events and I met him quite a few times.

“He also spoke at an event for my husband and he was a lovely man.

“There aren’t enough words to describe him.

“It was very emotional.