Pregnant British woman dies alongside unborn baby in Nigeria; family launches appeal to return their bodies to UK

A 40-year-old British woman who relocated to Nigeria to begin a new life with her husband has died alongside her unborn baby, prompting her family to launch a fundraising appeal to bring their bodies back to the United Kingdom.

Claire Chadwick, who was 37 weeks pregnant and expecting a baby girl with her husband, Ibrahim, reportedly developed sepsis and died from septic shock after the baby died in the womb.

Claire had moved from the UK to Nigeria to be with her husband. Over the years, she built a social media following through videos she and Ibrahim shared on TikTok and Instagram, documenting their relationship, faith and food challenges.

Following her death, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of £10,000 to cover the cost of returning her body and that of her unborn child to the UK.

Her sister, Shannon, said the family wanted both to be brought home so they could be laid to rest with dignity and surrounded by loved ones.

“More than anything, we want them both returned so they can be laid to rest with dignity, surrounded by the family who love them,” she said.

Shannon added that Claire is survived by her 19-year-old son, who lives in Wales, her husband and other family members who loved her dearly.

Describing her late sister in an interview with WalesOnline, she said Claire was “a woman who lived her life in her own way” and would leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the fundraiser and acknowledged the support of charity REST, which assists families dealing with the sudden or tragic deaths of loved ones abroad.

Tributes have also poured in from friends and well-wishers who described Claire as kind, caring and someone who brought laughter to those around her.

One contributor recalled knowing her from childhood and attending dance classes together, while another described her as “such a kind and caring woman.”