Family mourns the loss of the “heart and soul” of their lives

The search for Lillian Ferguson, a 71-year-old grandmother, ended in tragedy as her lifeless body was discovered near the M56 motorway in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Lillian, described as the “heart and soul of the family,” had gone missing on New Year’s Day after returning from Ireland to visit her family.

Lillian’s daughter, Suzanne, expressed her grief, describing her mother as an “inspiration” and emphasizing the significant void her sudden loss has left in their lives. Suzanne fondly remembered Lillian as a remarkable woman who moved to Manchester from County Clare, Ireland, in the mid-1980s, starting a new life for herself and her five children.

Despite facing initial challenges, Lillian worked tirelessly to provide for her family, embodying resilience and determination. Suzanne shared that her mother, a single parent and foster mum to her sister’s children, had just visited another sister over Christmas and was expected back for the New Year.

The circumstances leading to Lillian’s tragic end remain unclear. Suzanne speculates that her mother may have become disoriented due to her epilepsy, which occasionally caused memory lapses. Lillian, who had 25 grandchildren, took a different route than usual, possibly influenced by the lights from cars or New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Lillian’s journey led her onto a slip road onto the motorway, where she was later found by the police in a wooded area beside a gated car park near Manchester Airport. Suzanne believes her mother was attempting to make her way home, having taken an unfamiliar and dangerous route.

The family is awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of Lillian’s death. Greater Manchester Police have been approached for additional details. As the community mourns the loss of this beloved grandmother, social media has been flooded with tributes, reflecting the impact Lillian had on the lives of those around her.