Young couple who died 27 hours apart were 'perfect parents'

A young couple who died 27 hours apart after battling liver disease have been described as "perfect parents" by their son.

Jocelyn Irwin, 39, died at 4.13pm on October 6. Her partner Darran Michael Taylor, 41, passed away at 7.30pm the next day.

On Saturday, their son Darran Patrick Taylor said his father "gave up" because he didn't want to live without his mother.

The couple, from Derby, had both been fighting liver disease for three years, with Jocelyn spending a lot of time in hospital.

"There was no way he could live without her," said 21-year-old Darran.

"They were soul mates and loved each other a huge amount.

"It was a huge shock when they died. I knew straight away that my dad would struggle. He wouldn't have wanted to live without her and he hasn't. I think he gave up.

"It's left me heartbroken but I'm hoping they are in a better place now and are at peace. That's what they deserve and it brings me comfort to think that.

"They were the perfect parents. Their love will stay with me forever and I need to stay strong for the rest of the family."

On Thursday more than 100 people attended the funeral of former step-dancing champion Jocelyn and self-employed electrician Darran.

The couple were carried to the service in separate horse-drawn hearses marked "Mum" and "Dad".

Only child Darran said: "The service was perfect and was exactly what me and the family wanted.

"I loved my parents so much and I'm going to miss them for the rest of my life. To see them both die so close to each other is tragic."