Devastated friends and family have paid tribute to a "one in a million" NHS worker after she suddenly died at home.
Amber Sugden, who was beloved by patients and staff at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, sadly passed away on February 27.
The 24-year-old worked as a medical secretary for the past four years, and even won an award for her dedication to helping others throughout the Covid pandemic.
Her death has rocked the local community, who described her as the "life and soul of the party" who "never had a smile off her face".
In a heartbreaking tribute, Amber's parents, Jo Thompson and Matty Sugden, said she was a "girly girl" who loved helping others.
Jo told Teesside Live: "She was amazing, a beautiful girl inside and out. She worked hard and loved to party. We are in shock and can't believe she's gone.
"She was naturally beautiful and had everything on point. She was the full package she always had her nails and hair done and was so clever - a grade A student. She really was marvellous.
"So many people have gotten in touch from her old employers to her school teachers. Everybody lucky enough to have met her have contacted us which is comforting."
Amber's family said she was very popular and her friends were her "soul sisters".
Jo added: "She was the kindest girl, she'd go all out to help anybody. She was absolutely selfless and never wanted anything back she just wanted to help people."
Amber achieved a level 3 course and her A levels with Macmillan, going on to complete an apprenticeship with Cleveland Police.
Tributes also poured in on social media, with one friend writing: "RIP mate I can’t believe I’m writing this about you Amber. The loud, confident, bubbly one who you could always hear first before seeing!
"You never had a smile off your face and were always the light and soul of the party. I’ll never forget the laughs we had."
Another added: "The loudest soul in the room who everyone loved and treasured in their hearts - you really were one in a million."
Friends and family attended a balloon release to celebrate Amber's life last weekend.
Her mum said: "It was colourful, it was bright, it was everything that she was all about."
A celebration of Amber's life will be held on Friday, March 17 at 10.30am at St. Bede's Chapel, Acklam.
Her loved ones will then meet at Linthorpe Cemetery, Middlesbrough at 11.45am to say their final goodbyes.
