A FUNERAL DIRECTOR has issued an appeal to find the next of kin of a Co Down woman who died alone in hospital without any family.

Margaret Ellen ‘Peggy’ Murdoch died last week, on 9 April, in hospital aged 81.

She had most recently stayed at nursing homes in Hillsborough and Lisburn, and previously lived in Lisburn and Antrim town.

Lisburn funeral director Ronnie Thompson said the Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trust had asked it to appeal for any relatives, or anyone with any information about any living relatives of Ms Murdoch, to get in touch as they have no contact details for next of kin.

Margaret had a twin brother, who predeceased her, but that is the only information available on her next of kin.

“We do not know Miss Murdoch’s personal circumstances,” said the funeral director, “but there is no doubt that anyone who is related to her or knows her in any way, deserves an opportunity to mark her passing.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Ronnie Thompson funeral director on 02892 607367 or email info@ronniethompson.co.uk

Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly is among those who have appealed for anyone with any information to get in touch with the funeral director.