'An irreplaceable void' — husband describes anguish after hospital fall tragedy

Alf Mowat surrounds himself with reminders of his beloved Josie — to try to block out his final heartbreaking image of her.

A favourite family photo of Josie Mowat, who was a well known figure in greyhound racing.

By Leeza Clark
Published in the Courier : 24.01.12
Published online : 24.01.12 @ 01.45pm

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He goes to bed when he thinks he can sleep but wakes up every morning to realise afresh that his wife of over 40 years is ''gone forever.''

Josie, a mum of three and grandmother of seven, died after falling 30ft from a window at Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, last November.

While the former art teacher firmly believes the events of that tragic night are a matter for the ongoing police investigation to uncover, he has opened his heart to The Courier to talk about the void at the centre of his close-knit family.

He spoke of his at times overwhelming feelings of guilt that he did not bring his popular and fun-loving wife back to their cosy Cardenden home.

For Josie and Alf, who were married in 1968 after meeting in Pitlochry, life surrounded by family, friends and colleagues was a happy one. They had recently returned to Alf's native Fife after living for many years in England. Taking early retirement, and knowing house prices were much lower in this part of the world, they opted for Cardenden four years ago.

Although leaving behind their family was a wrench, they knew there would be daily phone calls, regular visits and a chance to explore all the attractions on their new doorstep as a couple and with family members joining in. They delighted in ''small pleasures'' and were pleased when Josie turned 60 and received her bus pass.

As the driver in the house, she was looking forward to many days out with Alf, exploring the country without having to take the wheel. That has all gone. As Alf said: ''I can't envisage myself taking such advantage since these activities are to be shared with a loved one.''

Josie's last year before her shocking death was marred by ill health, said Alf, and at New Year 2010 she had to be rushed to hospital. She recovered well, only to begin experiencing bouts of tremendous pain.

''She would take sometimes an hour to get from bed to the toilet and back again and it was terrible to see so much suffering,'' said Alf.

Josie had numerous tests and was finally told she had bowel cancer. Far from being rocked by the devastating diagnosis, however, she was grateful she finally knew what was wrong and that treatment was available.

Continued...