Family seeks help repatriating body of Welsh woman who died in Nigeria

A family in Wales is appealing for support to bring home the bodies of a 40-year-old woman and her unborn baby girl who died in Nigeria following pregnancy complications.

Claire Chadwick, who was 37 weeks pregnant, died after her baby died in the womb, leading to an infection that developed into sepsis and septic shock.

Chadwick, originally from Cardiff, had relocated to Nigeria several years ago to join her husband. She also leaves behind a 19-year-old son living in Wales.

Her sister, Shannon, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the deaths and was focused on returning both bodies to south Wales for burial.

“More than anything, we want them both returned so they can be laid to rest with dignity, surrounded by the family who love them,” she said.

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the repatriation, with donations reportedly reaching £10,000.

Shannon described her late sister as a woman with a vibrant personality who was never afraid to express herself.

“She was funny, loved dancing and being silly, and never particularly cared what anyone thought of her,” she said.

“She was fiercely strong-minded, always stood up for what she believed in and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.”

Chadwick had built a following on TikTok, where she documented her life in Nigeria with her husband, sharing videos about their faith and food challenges.

Her sister said the deceased would be remembered by family and friends for her personality and the lasting impression she made on those around her.

“She was a woman who lived her life in her own way,” Shannon said.

The family also thanked REST, a Welsh charity that supports relatives of people who die suddenly or in tragic circumstances abroad, for its assistance.

A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office said the government was supporting the family.

“We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Nigeria,” she said.