A YOUNG mother has died after being treated for swine flu just days after giving birth to a baby son.

Sarah Applin, 32, of Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, died at the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury, on Tuesday.

She had given birth to a son, William, who is being cared for at the hospital’s special baby care unit, just two weeks earlier on December 22.

Last night, a hospital spokesman confirmed that a patient had “died from complications with pneumonia following treatment for swine flu.’’

Sarah Applin was the daughter of Jane and Barry Waterman, licensees of the White Horse public house at Beyton, near Bury St Edmunds. Sarah also had a daughter, Charlotte, who was born on New Year’s Day in 2007, with her husband Richard, 41.

A statement released on behalf of the family yesterday said: “Our daughter Sarah Applin, aged 32, sadly died at West Suffolk Hospital on Tuesday, January 4, of complications with pneumonia following treatment for swine flu.

Her son, William, was delivered by Caesarean section on December 22 and is doing well in the Special Care Baby Unit.

“We, Jane and Barry Waterman and Sarah’s husband Richard, would ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time whilst we come to terms with this tragic event.

“We would like to strongly urge any person on the at-risk register, especially pregnant woman, to have the flu vaccination.’’

Last night, one of the couple’s neighbours in Thurston, who asked not to be named, said: “They are a lovely couple.

“Always seemed happy with their little girl. I’m really sorry to hear what has happened.’’