Daughter's tribute as 'generous' mum dies aged 48

THE family of a “beautiful” mum-of-two who died suddenly at the age of 48 have paid tribute to her.

- BY EMILY CARUBIA

Nicola Smyth, from Runcorn, died unexpectedly on October 20. Her daughter, Jess Tierney, had just returned from a holiday in Paris when she received the devastating news.

The 31-year-old said her mum had struggled with her mental health in recent years but the loss came without warning.

She said: "I'd just got home with my suitcase when my auntie rang me and told me. My world just fell apart. It was awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Describing her mum as her "best friend", Jess said: "She was only 17 years older than me so she was more like a sister. I could tell her anything. Everywhere she worked, everyone loved her. She was so kind and generous, she had a great sense of humour. Anyone could get on with her, no matter what age."

Nicola had previously been under the care of The Brooker Centre in Runcorn following an overdose last year but Jess believes the support her mum received was not enough.

She said: "There's such a lack of support around mental health. She was with a crisis team but it seems she was discharged after six months because they thought she was fine. I think she felt she didn’t know where to turn.