Tributes to '˜the life and soul of the party'

Michelle Green, from Alnwick, passed away in her sleep on Saturday morning at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington, after organ failure.

Dubbed as the life and soul of the party by both her family and friends, the tragic news of her passing has devastated those who knew and loved the popular local lass.

“I doted on her,” said her mother Val, 69. “We were always so close to each other, I know she loved me and I loved her so much.

“From the day she was born, she always wanted to do what she liked and would always do everything herself. She was even fully speaking before the age of two and never stopped talking after that.”

In May 2007, Michelle’s dad, Dennis, died suddenly from a heart attack, something Val said she wouldn’t have been able to get through without the love and support of Michelle.

“She helped me so much, when Dennis died I went downhill and she made sure I ate and was healthy,” Val said. “Michelle was my rock, I don’t think I’d be here today if she hadn’t looked after me over those years.”

Michelle made her mark in the community at a young age, regularly making waves with the Alnwick Dolphins swimming club while securing various other sporting achievements during her time at the Duchess’s Community High School.

After leaving school, Michelle went on to become one of the youngest managers at Alnwick Post Office in her early 20s. Later in her life, she became an underwriter and worked at Defra and NFU Mutual in Alnwick.

Michelle leaves behind a large, loving family, including brothers Carl, 47, Paul, 45, and life partner Michael, 51.

Michael said: “At the moment, everything is a bit numb, but I know Michelle will be sorely missed by everyone. She was my rock when I needed someone and leaves a large hole in my life.”

Close friend Gemma Lee added: “There are no words to convey how much she will be missed and the hole she has left in our lives. We all have our memories to cherish though and she will never be forgotten.

“Her wicked sense of humour and laugh were infectious and could always cheer you up no matter what. Being her friend and a part of her life was an honour and a privilege and, like a lot of people, if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be lucky enough to have the friends in our lives that we do now.”

The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11am at St Michael’s Church, Alnwick, with a service at Blyth Crematorium at 1pm. This will be followed by a wake at The Queen’s Head, Michelle’s favourite pub. Everyone welcome.

Family flowers only, but contributions can be made to the British Heart Foundation.