Bolton: Tributes to Stephanie Thorpe, 32, who has died

Stephanie Thorpe – from Farnworth - died on Sunday June 25 in Blackburn Hospital following the Restricted Forest music festival, which was held in Blackburn's Witton Park.

Stephanie was a 'devoted' mother to two-year-old Alfie Pendlebury and a loving partner to Carl Pendlebury.

She studied beauty and childcare at Bolton College before moving on to her real passion as a teacher helping children with additional needs.

Best friend to Stephanie, Holly Mclaughlin, says that Carl and Stephanie were a 'duo'.

Her sister Kelly Thorpe described Stephanie as a 'pure and beautiful spirit who would light up a room when she walked in'.

She said: “She always wanted to work with children and was passionate about working with kids.

“She had a caring nature.

“She was full of life and lit up the room as soon as she walked in.

“She left a lasting impression.

“She was a pure and beautiful spirit.”

Her niece Phoebe Dewsnip said she was an 'angel' and said she was a 'fun and cool' aunty.

Her sister Cherie Thorpe says she was the 'best mum ever' and that she would do 'anything for him and Carl', and anyone she met.

She added: “She gave the most love to anyone she came across and she was very funny”.

Holly and Stephanie met four years ago, and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

And after setting a GoFundMe up just four days ago, Holly has raised more than £15,000.

She said: “I can’t explain how much she was loved.

“When you meet her that’s it, she’s a part of your life.

“We have been inseparable ever since meeting and have been together every day.

“I want to continue keeping her character alive forever and look after Alfie and Carl.

“I want to raise as much money as possible, with a target of £30,000.”

Amy Gavin grew up with Stephanie and went to school with her at Cherry Tree Primary School and Harper Green School, as well as college.

She says she was 'one of a kind' and that there was no one like her, ever'.

Stephanie loved karaoke and was known as the queen of MC-ing and singing, often pulling out her signature move of whipping her long hair round in a circle, when she would get on stages at events.

The family celebrated her life at St Gregory’s Social Club on Thursday (June 29) where hundreds of people turned up to set orange and purple balloons free and remember her.

Stephanie worked at the club part time and was loved by the staff and community in the area.

Carl says that no one has ever had a bad word to say about her, and that she 'never looked down on people'.

He said: “Just look how many people turned up. People just kept coming in.

“I have been overwhelmed with all the love that has been pouring out.”

Kelly said: “She didn’t know how loved she was.

“The balloons represent her bright ginger hair and bright clothes she wore.

“Carl and Stephanie always went out in bright clothes and matching clothes.”

Stephanie had become ill while attending the one-day music festival last Saturday.

After receiving medical attention, she was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where she died the following day. 

Raffles and other fundraisers are expected to be organised in her memory and to help the family as much as possible.

To help support the family, click here (www.gofundme.com/f/our-amazing-girl-steph).

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.