Parents tell of agony over losing 'best daughter ever'

THE parents of a young woman who tragically died from a stroke have spoken of their grief.

Amy Weeks, 20, died in August and hundreds of friends took to the "R.I.P Amy Weeks 1 in a million x" tribute site set up on Facebook to remember her.

Amy's mum and dad have spoken to The Herald about their daughter's death.

Amy's mum, Mandy, said: "I shall miss her from the deepest part of my heart.

"She wasn't just my daughter, she was also my best friend.

"Her brothers Cameron and Travis and sister will miss her so much.

"She had so many laughs and good times especially spending time with her grandparents Janet and Nigel Weeks.

"We shall miss her so much. She was the best daughter ever."

John, Amy's dad, said: "Even now, I still look for Amy in town because every time I was in there we would always bump into each other. I will miss her badly."

Amy, born in Efford and raised in Southway, had more than 1,700 friends on Facebook and hundreds of followers on Twitter.

She went to Laira Green Primary School, then to Sir John Hunt Community College and then Eggbuckland Community College.

Amy went on to the New Hope Training Centre to study media and art.

In her spare time she enjoyed drawing, watching films and going to Butlins and adventure parks.

She also enjoyed being in the garden and planting flowers, her favourite flowers were lilies.

Her parents added: "Amy will be sadly missed, she was so close to her brothers and sisters, always giving them lots of hugs and kisses and also loved playing around with them and keeping them entertained.

"She was always smiling and laughing and loved life no matter what it threw at her, she was like a breath of fresh air.

"She would never have a bad word said about any of her family, family meant everything to her."

After leaving school Amy worked as a steward at Stonehouse Barracks before working at Wise Owls Nursery in Whitleigh.

Friends and family arranged a memorial at Smeatons Tower on the Hoe shortly after her death where lanterns were lit and balloons were released in her memory.

Amy's family wanted to thank all her friends for their kind words of condolences and support.

They also wanted to pay a special thanks to the teams of doctors and nurses who took care of Amy whilst she was in ICU on the Penrose Ward at Derriford Hospital.

"They were amazing and treated Amy and all of her family that stayed up their in a very professional manner," her parents said.

Amy's funeral is taking place at The Emmanuel CofE Church in Mannamead on Friday November 2 at 10.30am where all of Amy's friends are welcome to celebrate her life.

This will then be followed by a private cremation.

Amy's parents have asked for family flowers only.

Any donations will be given to the Stroke Foundation at Derriford Hospital.

Walter C Parsons will be handling the funeral and donations can be delivered to 702 Budshead Road, Crownhill, PL6 5DY, or for more information call 01752 767676.