Devoted to her four children

10:25am Wednesday 28th September 2005

NEIGHBOURS have paid tribute to a "doting mother" after she was brutally stabbed to death in a daylight attack.

Tracey McCormick, 35, was murdered following a heated argument in Downham Way, Grove Park, on September 19.

Now those who knew the mother-of-four have expressed their shock at the murder of a woman who was "devoted to her kids".

Until recently, Mrs McCormick lived in Linton Close, Welling, with her four children Kerry-Ann, Daniel, Connor and Ben.

Earlier this year, the devoted mum underwent surgery to donate one of her kidneys to her youngest son Ben, who is seriously ill.

Neighbour Samantha Long got to know Mrs McCormick as they both had children at East Wickham Infant School, Wickham Street, Welling.

The two older children were pupils at Welling School in Elsa Road.

Mrs Long says she was "shocked" to discover her friend had been murdered.

She said: "I'm just appalled something like this could happen.

"Tracey was a really friendly person.

"She had her ups and downs trying to look after four kids but she kept smiling and would always stop to say hello.

"She was devoted to her kids. All of this must be unbearable for them."

Mrs Long, 36, says Mrs McCormick's willingness to donate her kidney to her son was an example of the care and devotion she showed towards her children.

She added: "Tracey was just an ordinary, caring mum. She lived for her kids."

Around two months ago, Mrs McCormick moved with her children to a home in Railway Street, Northfleet.

One neighbour there said although he did not have time to get to know Mrs McCormick very well, she seemed "friendly and personable".

After the stabbing occurred in Downham Way, a number of passers-by tried to help Mrs McCormick as she lay in the road bleeding to death.

They included the driver of a passing 124 bus who stopped and ran to her aid, while telephoning for an ambulance and the police.

Mrs McCormick was taken to hospital but died soon afterwards from her injuries.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned at Southwark Coroner's Court last Thursday.

• Joshua Willis, Mrs McCormick's former partner, of Ravenscar Road, Downham, appeared before Greenwich Magistrates' Court on September 21, charged with murder.

The 43-year-old was remanded to appear at the Old Bailey today.