THE potential link between the death of a holidaymaker and food poisoning is to be explored through an inquest.

An inquest was formally opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday into the death of Linda Mottram nee Thompson.

A resident of the Murdishaw area of Runcorn, Mrs Mottram died at Warrington Hospital on September 8 aged 72.

The court heard how she was admitted to the Lovely Lane site after feeling unwell on her return from a holiday in the Canary Islands.

Tests revealed salmonella and her condition ‘deteriorated rapidly', leading to her death on September 8.

A coroner officer requested that an inquest be opened due to an unnatural cause of death.

Mrs Mottram’s identity was confirmed by a staff nurse at the hospital to a porter on the day of her death, the court heard.

It was also requested that the inquest be adjourned to allow for further work to be completed.

Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, said: “The circumstances, as reported to us, suggest that Mrs Mottram died of food poisoning, or a condition related to food poisoning.

“Food poisoning is a reportable death, and an inquest has been requested.

“I formally open an inquest into the death of Mrs Mottram and adjourn to March 12, 2025.”

There will be an internal review by the coroner on November 24.