Tributes to Lydia who 'never lost her sparkle'

EVERY photograph from Lydia Williams’ childhood shows her beaming smile - a joy that defined her short but radiant life.

- LOIS MCCARTHY Reporter

Her family now cling to those pictures as they mourn her sudden passing at just 32, remembering her humour, fearless spirit, and rare gift for uplifting others.

Born on Good Friday in April 1993 at Caerphilly Miners Hospital, Lydia “came into the world smiling,” her mother said. “Seeing her each morning so excited for the day was like Christmas.”

As a child, she adored Noddy because “he lives in Toyland where everyone is happy - and he drives a car!” Her boundless imagination was clear early on; after getting toy angel wings, she'd race around the garden determined to make them fly.

“The sky was the limit for her,” her mother recalled.

Bright and determined, Lydia always strove for perfection - once worrying about not coming top in a maths test, though she'd scored 96%.

“That was simply Lydia,” her mother said. She grew into a warm, loyal young woman who connected effortlessly with people. “She was the best friend anyone could have,” said one friend.‘She'd fly across states to see you - or fly you out to her.”