A community has rallied behind a grieving family after a "beautiful person with so much love in her heart" dies suddenly.
Kate Thornton and her husband Steve jetted off to Turkey last month to celebrate as she was offered her dream job as senior marketing operations specialist for Minitab. But j ust days into her holiday, the 42-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest on June 28.
Despite having no previous health issues or displaying any symptoms, Kate - who was laughing and joking the evening before - sadly died. Close friend Matt Heaton set up a fundraiser to help the family during this difficult time.
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Despite setting the initial target as £500, a staggering £5,780 has so far been raised for the family, with over 220 donations, and tributes have come pouring in. Sheila Anderson said: "My sincere condolences to you it’s very sad just take one day at a time and take care the group is here for you."
Debbie Raynor wrote: "I had the pleasure of training her on a course. She is a beautiful person and when she spoke of Steve and the children it was with so much love in her heart. RIP beautiful lady."
Eric McAlinden added: "I feel your heartbreak, my wife died 12 months ago and I am still heartbroken but with the help of family and friends they will help you through it, I hope, please take care of yourself."
Steve and Kate met back in 2010 when they began speaking online after their previous relationships ended. But having no idea of the strength of the bond they would share, they instantly clicked.
Steve told the ECHO: " We weren't looking for love but we came together as two broken souls. We got to know each other and I can't believe the journey we've been on. We made so many plans, she was moving to a bigger company and we were going to go on holidays and do the house up. We had so many plans to look forward to."
But after arriving back home to Newton-le-Willows on Monday, July 4, Steve said the nightmare has continued as there is a "complicated process". Despite having a Turkish death certificate, he needs to get one in English and an inquest must be held into Kate's death, but there were issues trying to get Kate's body home.
ECHO reader Karen Mckay Smith said: "RIP Beautiful Lady. Sending Hugs and Kisses", as Kenneth Black added: "So sad to hear that, our condolences go to her husband and children & family and friends."
Joy Capper wrote: "So sorry for your loss, I'm really sad She looks like a kind soul who didn't deserve to go so soon. God bless you." Another ECHO user said: "Unbelievably sad. Life is so fragile. R.I.P."
Tributes have also come pouring in via the fundraising page as one person said: "Kate was a very special lady, we were privileged to have known her, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss", and another added: "Sorry for your loss mate. She was an amazing woman and you made a great couple. Won't be the same without her."
An initial cause of death was put down as a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her heart, but Steve said she was previously fit and healthy and her death came as a "complete shock".
Describing his wife who "lit up every room with her brilliant character", Steve said: "She was amazing, I still can't believe she's not here when I wake up. Kate couldn't have children, I've got two kids from a previous relationship but she was brilliant with them, she treated them like her own.
"We ended up buying an English Bulldog, Hogan, and he's suffering now, he was her baby. We've done so much together, she was a giver rather than a taker and found joy in making others happy."
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