Woman, 68, killed as large iron gate topples on to her (From Bury Times)

Woman, 68, killed as large iron gate topples on to her

11:18am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

The family of a woman killed when a metal gate toppled on to her have paid tribute to her bravery and determination.

Myra Goldman, aged 68, had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer only 15 months ago, but had continued to live life to the full. She was unlocking the 13ft-by-7ft front gates at a business centre at the rear of shops in Bury Old Road, Whitefield, at 10.40am on Sunday when they crashed down.

Another business park worker came to her aid and called paramedics.

Mrs Goldman, of Clegg Street, Whitefield, died at the scene after suffering severe head injuries.

Police, who taped off the scene close to the Bury Old Road junction with Nursery Road to carry out their investigations, said there were no suspicious circumstances and described the incident as a freak accident.

Mrs Goldman’s sister-in-law, Carole Goldman, said her family had been left devastated and paid tribute to a “brave woman” and a “devoted mother”.

She leaves husband Cyril, aged 80, and son Andrew.

A statement from the family read: “Myra faced her illness with bravery and still lived her life to the fullest, including taking part in the 5k Race for Life fundraising for Cancer Research in July, 2012.

“She was also a devoted mother and frequently visited her son Andrew, who is a flight instructor in Spain. The family has come to terms that Myra was terminally ill as she fought her illness with so much strength and dignity but find it impossible to accept the shocking circumstances that she was taken from us.”

Mrs Goldman founded a florists, called Si Si Flowers To Inspire, with Carole about 10 years ago and they used the unit at the business park as a base.

Angelina Tomasiello, who runs the Lupatom hair salon nearby in Bury Old Road, issued a statement on behalf of her staff.

She said: “Myra was a very special, talented and unique lady. Brave and wonderful — time to rest, dear Myra, in that beautiful garden full of flowers in the sky. Dear friend, rest in peace. We will miss you always. From Angelina and all at Lupatom.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed: “At this time, there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances. However we will be working alongside partner agencies to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.”