Widower relives day condition killed wife

A husband has described the chilling moment he found his wife dead in bed at their Black Country home.

Michael Banner's six children could have the same genetic muscle condition that claimed her life, and are now undergoing tests.

Describing the day he woke to discover Tracy, his wife of 15 years, had died, Mr Banner, of Oldbury, said: "That morning I shot bolt up at 5am. I started talking to her but she wouldn't answer me. It was when I went over to her that I realised she had gone. I tried to resuscitate but I knew it was too late."

Mrs Banner, aged 41, who was pronounced dead at the family home in Richmond Hill on May 1, suffered with muscular dystrophy which caused her heart to enlarge and hinder her breathing.

The first signs of the condition emerged about four years ago. Doctors initially thought she had a less threatening condition but her condition deteriorated and she was due for more tests when she died.

Describing her final months with the disease, which causes the muscles not to work properly, Mr Banner said: "It is a horrible, horrible thing."

Doctors have warned Mr Banner, 45, that other members of the family could have the same condition and his oldest son, 14-year-old Shaun, has complainedabout muscle discomfort.

He has already seen one doctor - who believes it could be growing pains - but he is due to see a specialist next month.

Mr Banner said symptoms typically show themselves when the sufferer reaches their thirties. Mr Banner, who used to be a decorator but became a full-time carer, is urging families to make sure they recognise the symptoms early.

He said: "Anyone who has muscles aches should get themselves checked. It is only a blood test. If that message can come out of this trauma, then at least that's something."

He said life had been a struggle since losing Tracy but his children Calliejay, five, Jake, seven, Paige, nine, Kirsty, 11, Charlie, 12, and Shaun had kept him going.