The partner of a new dad who died unexpectedly in Salford has spoken of her devastation.
Michael Kershaw died suddenly at his home in Salford Quays on February 6.
He told his girlfriend Caroline Lowson he loved her just half an hour before he stopped replying to her messages.
Concerned, the 38-year-old visited his property to check on him. When she got no answer, emergency services were called.
Police and paramedics arrived and entered Michael's home.
Tragically, they found 31-year-old dead inside. He leaves behind his one-year-old daughter, Isla-Rose.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Caroline, who also lives in Salford, says she is struggling to accept her unimaginable loss.
The 38-year-old still doesn't know how he died.
“I don’t want to be here anymore, I want to be with him,” Caroline said.
“But I have to be there for the kids. As difficult as it is, my kids have to come first.
“I just don’t want to do anything. Honestly, I didn’t think they were going to come out and tell me he was dead. This really is a shock to me.
“I broke down when they told me. I didn’t know what to do.
“I’m struggling but I know I have to do it for our daughter. He was so excited when she was born.
“She looks like him. When I look at her, it’s like seeing him.
“I cry all the time; I can’t sleep. I can’t even eat.
“I’m on sleeping medication at the moment. It’s just been really difficult.
“He was the love of my life. I don’t know how I’m going to move past this.”
You can help donate to Michael's funeral here
The cause of Michael’s sudden and unexpected death has not yet been identified.
His family are currently awaiting results from a post-mortem examination, which could take up to 12 weeks.
Caroline continued: “We don’t exactly know what happened. He was speaking to me about 30 minutes before it happened.
“He texted me saying he was on his way to the shops, then when he came back, we told each other how much we loved each other.
“I rang him and there was no answer. I rang him loads and when I went to his house, I could hear the phone ringing.
“The police broke the door down and I was in the ambulance at the time. I didn’t think he would be dead.
“They came out and told me he was dead and that’s when my world came crashing down.
“We still don’t know how he died or what happened. It’s heartbreaking.
“I had to identify his body. It was awful to see him like that.”
A dedicated Manchester City supporter, Michael was known as a “funny guy” who was “always smiley”.
“I’m just so glad I told him I loved him before he died because you never know,” Caroline added.
“If we were arguing I would never forgive myself.
“His sisters, mum and grandparents are all devastated.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help Michael’s family pay for his funeral costs.
Anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to do so by following the link by clicking here.
