Ex-footballer's tribute to wife

Former Scotland footballer Colin Hendry said the "light had gone out" in his life after the death of his wife.

Denise Hendry, 43, died from a post-operative infection after spending 12 weeks at Salford Royal Hospital.

She contracted the infection following the latest in a series of operations to try to repair damage caused by a botched liposuction procedure in 2002.

"Words cannot describe the desolation we feel," her husband, the former Blackburn Rovers defender, said.

He added: "Denise was the shining light in our lives and today that light has gone out."

"She had battled bravely after her liposuction procedure had gone appallingly wrong."

Punctured bowel

Mr Hendry, from Keith in Moray, said further corrective surgery in Preston had not been successful and the family were hopeful the operation in Salford would be a success.

"Tragically, she caught an infection which despite further surgery she has succumbed to," he added.

"I cannot begin to imagine life without her, but we are a strong and devoted family and somehow, if only for Denise's sake, we will get through."

The couple had been together for more than 20 years and lived in Lytham, Lancashire, with their four children, aged between nine and 19.

Mrs Hendry, from Lytham, suffered nine punctures to her bowel and colon during the original operation at Broughton Park hospital in 2002, and later developed blood poisoning.

Lawyers secured a six-figure damages settlement in November 2006, while the surgeon involved voluntarily applied to be removed from the General Medical Council's register.

Mrs Hendry went on to campaign about the dangers of cosmetic surgery, urging people to check their surgeon's credentials before going under the knife.

Her husband played 51 times for Scotland and captained his country at the 1998 World Cup in France.

The central defender started his professional career with Dundee in 1983 before going on to play for Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Rangers and Coventry City.

He also managed Blackpool and Clyde.

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