Heartbroken loved ones pay tribute to one million NHS worker who died suddenly

The family and friends of a heartbroken NHS worker who died suddenly at home have paid tribute to her, describing her as a “one in a million” girl who would help anyone.

Amber Sugden, 24, died at her home in Normanby, Teesside on February 27. She had worked as a medical secretary at St James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for four years.

Amber, who was loved by both patients and staff, had even won an award for helping families during the Covid pandemic.

Her death rocked the community, with the popular 24-year-old being described by friends as “the life and soul of the party”.

Amber’s heartbroken mother, Jo Thompson, from Middlesbrough, paid tribute to her, saying: “She was amazing, a beautiful girl inside and out.

‘Beautiful inside and out’: Amber Sugden (pictured), 24, died suddenly at her home in Normanby, Teesiside on February 27

The beloved NHS worker, 24, had worked as a medical secretary at St James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for four years and received an award for her efforts during the coronavirus pandemic

“She worked hard and loved to party. We are in shock and can’t believe she’s gone.

“She was naturally beautiful and nailed everything. She was the complete package, she always had her nails and hair done and was so smart – a Class 1 student. She was really wonderful.

“So many people have contacted their school teachers from their old employers. Everyone who was lucky enough to have met them got in touch with us, which is reassuring.

“She was the nicest girl, she would do anything to help anyone. She was absolutely selfless and never wanted anything in return, she just wanted to help people.

Jo and Amber’s father, Matty Sugden, described the 24-year-old as a “girly girl” who always loved looking her best.

Amber was there Linthorpe Community Primary School, Outwood Academy Acklam and Trinity Catholic College.

you later completed a Level 3 course and her high school diploma at Macmillan and then trained with the Clevland Police Department.

Jo added: “She was the nicest girl, she would do anything to help anyone. She was absolutely selfless and never wanted anything in return, she just wanted to help people.

Family and friends have since paid tribute to Amber (pictured), describing her as a “one in a million” woman who was “the nicest girl”.

Tributes have poured in on social media following Amber’s death.

A friend wrote: “RIP mate I can’t believe I’m writing this about you Amber. The loud, confident, bubbly one that you could always hear first before you see!

“You never had a smile on your face and you were always the light and soul of the party. I’ll never forget the laughs we had.’

Another added: “The loudest soul in the room that everyone loved and cherished in their hearts – you really were one in a million.”

A balloon launch was held last weekend to celebrate Amber, with her family and friends coming out to pay tribute to her.

Her mother added, “It was colourful, it was bright, it was everything that defined her.”

A celebration of Amber’s life will be held at St Bede’s Chapel in Acklam on Friday March 17 at 10.30am.

Your loved ones will then meet at Linthorpe Cemetery in Middlesbrough at 11.45am for a final farewell.

The cause of her death was not disclosed.