A POST mortem cited natural causes as the principal factor behind Brian Tricker's death. However, Astrid Tricker disagrees with that view.

A POST mortem cited natural causes as the principal factor behind Brian Tricker's death.

However, Astrid Tricker disagrees with that view.

She said: “A microbiologist told me Legionnaires' comes from aerosols or badly maintained air conditioning or shower heads. Brian was a fit man.

“So how can his death be from natural causes?”

Mrs Tricker wants to fight the verdict of the post mortem, but is conscious of the fact the death certificate will not be released until the matter is resolved.

With no death certificate, she is unable to claim on her late husband's life insurance, which she needs to meet mortgage payments.

She said: “I will have to close the case because I need the death certificate to claim life insurance to pay the mortgage.”

Mr Tricker retired from his job at Crane a year ago, but the 66-year-old soon after sought a new career as a security guard.

He worked for Gardwell Security, with his last assignment coming at Fred Olson at Whitehouse in Ipswich.

Mrs Tricker said: “He retired last year but he wanted to continue working because he was a very fit and healthy man.

“He was very active. He loved walking the dogs and travelling.

“If he had not been so fit he would not have survived the illness for so long.

“He was determined to fight and that's exactly what he did but in the end he had no more strength to fight. It was heartbreaking to see.

“I work in the profession and I have never seen someone go down hill so fast.

“When I married Brian I promised to be there in sickness and in health, and I was.”

Ipswich-born Mr Tricker met his future wife, who is originally from Frankfurt in Germany, while working for Crane. They were married for 20 years.

Mrs Tricker praised the treatment her husband received while at Ipswich hospital.

“He received excellent care at Ipswich hospital, we couldn't have asked for any better.

“They have all been stars and I know they were as upset as I was when he died.”