A mother has been hailed as a hero after sacrificing her life to save her five-year-old daughter from a falling tree branch in Witton Country Park.

Madia Kauser, 32, was walking with her husband Wasim Khan, 33, and their two children on Monday evening when the branch suddenly came crashing down. Witnesses say she pushed her daughter’s pushchair out of the way in the final moments before the impact, shielding her child from harm.

Despite her husband’s immediate attempts to help, Mrs Kauser was pronounced dead at the scene from her injuries. Her daughter escaped unhurt, and the couple’s nine-year-old son, walking ahead with his father, witnessed the tragedy.

Relatives described Mrs Kauser as a "loving, doting mother" who adored her children. Councillor Zamir Khan MBE, an uncle, said:

"Her little girl told me her mother pushed her out of the way as the branch fell.
The older boy was walking with his father in front and could not believe what happened.
It is very hard for the children – I don’t think they will ever walk in that park again."

Safety measures taken

Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed the tree had been felled the following morning and branches removed from others nearby as a precaution. The council said it was "deeply saddened" and extended condolences to the family.

Chief executive Denise Park stated:

"Witton Park is a much-loved community space, and the safety of everyone who visits is of the utmost importance to us."

Lancashire Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Concerns over tree safety

Local councillor Paul Marrow noted that ash dieback disease and dead trees in the park had raised safety concerns, urging "regular, thorough inspections".

Witnesses reported calm weather at the time of the incident, with no strong winds.

Mrs Kauser’s funeral is expected to take place in accordance with Muslim tradition once her body is released by the coroner, with relatives travelling from across the country to attend.

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