Murdered midwife’s colleagues set up memorial at Royal Stoke Hospital

Samantha Eastwood’s colleagues at the Royal Stoke Hospital have set aside an area to lay down floral tributes and messages.

Dozens of those who worked with the midwife, who is alleged to have been murdered by Michael Stirling, her ex-fiance’s brother-in-law, gathered around a temporary memorial plaque to pay their respects.

The plaque, which was organised by the hospital, read: “Samantha Eastwood. Midwife at Royal Stoke. 2012-2018.

“Sam worked as a midwife at Royal Stoke for six years and was a much-loved and valued member of the UHNM family.

“Our thoughts are with her friends and family during this time.”

Bouquets of flowers were laid in front of the plaque and tearful colleagues could be seen embracing each other as they paid tribute to the 28-year-old on Monday.

One message left with flowers read: “RIP Samantha. Thinking of your friends, family and colleagues at this heartbreaking time.

“Thank you for your service to the NHS. So sorry it so cruelly got made short. Fly high.”

Another tribute read: “You brought life into the world. So sad someone took your life away.”

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