AN inseparable mother and son, who died within ten days of each other, are to be laid to rest this week.

Christa Abbott, 83, and her son, Raymond, 62, had lived together their whole lives.

Raymond, who suffered from physical disabilities from birth, died on January 21.

An inquest into the cause of his death is still ongoing. He is believed to have died in his sleep.

His devoted mum died ten days later after a short battle with Covid-19 at Colchester Hospital.

Now friends hope to ensure the pair, of Coggeshall Way, Halstead, are laid to rest together.

Christa, who was born in Germany, fled from East to West Germany with her family where she met future husband Brian Abbott, an RAF serviceman.

They married after Christa fell pregnant with Raymond, who was born in Germany.

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The family later relocated to Halstead, despite Christa not knowing a word of English, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Gazette: Christa Abbott

Brian died 15 years ago but Christa and Raymond are said to have remained inseparable.

Raymond went on to worked at Colchester Zoo where he looked after the tigers before working to help rehabilitate injured foxes, both jobs he is said to have loved.

Following Raymond’s death, friends reported Christa asking: “How am I going to go on”.

Katy Tuff had been a friend of the Abbott family since she was a girl and worked tirelessly to reunite their bodies which were under the remit of different councils.

She said: “Christa was a wonderful mother to Raymond and was proud of everything he achieved which included rehabilitating injured foxes.

Gazette: Raymond Abbott

"Those that we unable to be released back into the wild were tamed and made family pets by Raymond.

“Sadly, in his 20s, Raymond, was involved in a near fatal road accident which left him severely physically challenged.

“Throughout their lives Christa and Raymond remained inseparable, renowned for being determined, proud and positive individuals.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of many people who’ve been involved in supporting us to ensure a celebration of their lives can take place at Three Counties Crematorium in Braintree at 12.30pm on Thursday.

“Christa was a dear friend of my mother’s and our families grew up together often holidaying together with her family over in Germany.

“As I learned that there was no-one to arrange some kind of funeral I took on the task.

"With the help of so many people, including the wonderful step-family over in Germany who paid for the funeral, a lovely neighbour, my sister and mum as well as Sandy at the funeral directors, we’re relieved the ceremony can now take place for this truly tragic story of a mother and son’s commitment to each other as well as a heartwarming narrative of true community spirit in this very challenging and sad time.”

Residents are invited to pay their respects to the pair ton Thursday before the 12.30pm ceremony.

Before they’re cremated in High Garrett, their hearses will be stationed on Coggeshall Way.

Organisers will also be holding a collection for Colchester Zoo for anyone who knew them and would like to contribute.