WELL-known Halesowen businesswoman Vicki Hancox has died after choking while out for a meal at a restaurant in the town.

The 45-year-old collapsed at the Flute Restaurant on Sunday November 16, but failed to recover despite attempts to resuscitate her by three by three off-duty nurses.

Her heartbroken sister, Annie Ingamells, said it was believed she started to choke and suffered lack of oxygen to the brain - which triggered a cardiac arrest.

But she stressed the restaurant was not to blame, Ms Hancox was taken to Russells Hall hospital, but never regained consciousness and died in the early hours of last Saturday in the critical care unit.

A post mortem examination confirmed she died from choking and an inquest will be held.

Mrs Ingamells praised the quick actions of the nurses who rushed from their table at the Stourbridge Road restaurant to give her CPR after she collapsed during her evening out with long term friend Steven Parker.

She said the restaurateur and staff had been very shocked as her sister was well-known at the Flute and added her praise for the “unbelievable and brilliant” care given by the hospital staff.

Ms Hancox, of Hunnington Crescent, a former Earls High School student, had enjoyed a high-flying career, before opening the exclusive ladies accessories Village Boutique in Kinver a year ago.

She originally worked for company managing accounts for major retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Agent Provocateur and Boux Avenue, eventually working her way up to position of UK managing director.

Ms Hancox then started her own successful company manufacturing and selling components for ladies underwear.

Her 46-year-old sister said: “This is a terrible shock. I was called to the restaurant, but I could see she looked lifeless when I arrived.”

She added: “Vicki had so many friends – many going back to school days. She’d stayed local and with her work as well, she was very well-known.”

But through her tragic, premature death, other people are being given a chance of life through the donation of her organs and blood.

Ms Hancox leaves her mother Pat Stockton, aged 73, and brother Paul Stockton, aged 50, as well as her sister. Her father Doug Stockton, a former Halesowen councillor, died from a heart attack aged 56.

Her funeral will be held at Halesowen Parish Church of St John the Baptist, on Thursday December 11 at 11am.