Woman who died after her body 'shielded' young niece in Manchester attack blast was trying for a baby

A woman from Sheffield's family have confirmed she is one of the victims of the Manchester terror attack after her body reportedly "shielded" her niece from the blast. She leaves behind a young daughter, Phoebe.

It has now been confirmed by those close to her that she was trying for a baby before the incident.

Ms Brewster, 32, a civil servant,had just put a deposit down on a new home with her boyfriend Ian Winslow and was planning to start a family with him when she was killed.

Ian's father John Winslow, 62, revealed the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.

Speaking at his home in Sheffield, his eyes red and swollen opened the door to his home in Sheffield, said: "We are all devastated at what had happened. Ian is devastated.

"Kelly is such a lovely, lovely girl. They were a lovely couple."

He told how they had been together three years and were just planning their future together.

He said: "Ian told me that they had just put a deposit down on a house and were trying for a baby.

"We will miss her so much. "Ian has a seven-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Phoebe, and she and Kelly were very close, like sisters.

"Ian will have to break the news to her when he comes home tomorrow.

"He is still in Manchester at the moment. They are waiting to officially identify her body today.

"He said last night that they were waiting on the identity of a critical person in hospital and if that woman wasn't Kelly then they knew she was dead.

"And of course it wasn't."

Speaking of Kelly being murdered in a despicable act of terrorism, Mr Winslow said: "Words cannot describe how it makes you feel, it's surreal.

"How a man can say that he has done this for Muslims. He is not a Muslim. He is evil. "I'm still trying to get my head round Kelly being swept up in this. It doesn't feel real."

She had been reported missing after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena on Monday night. 

Her partner, Ian Winslow, later wrote on Facebook: "Not sure how this works but it isn't good news. Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.

"Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are."

Her local paper, the Sheffield Star, praised her for her bravery on the front page of the newspaper after confirming her death. 

It said that she will be remembered by her community for her selfless act.

Ms Brewster had been attending the Ariana Grande concert with her sister Claire and her niece Hollie Booth when the home-made device packed with nuts and bolts exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.

Hollie has two broken legs and Claire has a broken jaw, Hollie's grandmother Tracy Booth wrote on Facebook.

Paul Dryhurst, Kelly Brewster's uncle, spoke of her bravery. He told ITV: "Kelly has shielded Hollie and Claire from the damage.

"The three were walking out in single file, with Claire in front, Hollie behind her, and Kelly behind her.

Explosion rocks Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in pictures

"When the bomb has gone off the impact has broken Claire's jaw and broken Hollie's legs.

"They are both currently in hospital having nuts and bolts removed from all places.

"Claire is having a bolt removed from her face and poor Hollie is having bolts removed all the way up her legs.

"After the impact Claire had gone to Hollie but when she looked up she couldn't find Kelly. They lost her in all the commotion."

Chantelle Garrity, a friend of Ms Brewster, wrote on Facebook: "R.I.P my dear friend Kelly! I love you more than words can describe. I won't be the same person without you!"

Another friend, Payton Williams, wrote: "Heaven has gained another angel Kelly you were a hero right down to your last moments. I will always remember our dinners out in champs and you giving me to confidence to travel with contiki alone. I will always remember giving you a lift home when mum worked her late shifts because I didn't want you to have to catch the bus.

Victims of the Manchester suicide bomb attack named, in pictures

"I'll remember you spilling drinks down your top at the house warming party and ending up in just a vest. I'll remember you making paper games with Phoebe and 'eating is cheating'.

"We never did manage a night out on the town together but one day we will meet again and you'll have many a story to tell me over a few drinks. For now sleep tight beautiful princess you'll always be a hero."

Tributes have been flowing as details of the victims began emerging.

The attack on Monday was the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005.

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the barbaric attack, which was carried out by Salman Abedi.

Abedi is believed to have been born in Manchester and of Libyan descent.

Key articles | Manchester Arena explosion

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