Tributes to Ferryhill carer who 'lit up every room'

Emma Nicole Hunter, from Ferryhill, suddenly passed away in March last year leaving her friends and family devastated.

Her best friend Chloe Leigh Cousins, 22, described Emma as a larger than life character who brought joy wherever she went.

She said: "She was the life and soul of the party and lit up every room she walked into. She was always the loudest there, full of funny comments and crazy dancing.

Emma and her friend Chloe (Image: UGC)

"You'd never meet another person like her. She loved to go out on the weekend, but also loved spending time with her friends."

Emma, left and her friend Chloe (Image: UGC)

Emma was a popular student at Ferryhill School (FBEC).

She always dreamt of being a mum and was a "big kid" enjoying fairgrounds in her spare time.

"She enjoyed going to South Shields and going on all the rides because she was just a big kid still at heart", Chloe said.

"We would always go for an Italian every month whether it be Uno Momento's or the Italian Farm House, which was her favourite because they did a really nice cocktail.

"Everything I do for her is more than just in her honour, it is to keep the memory of her alive, everyone was happy when she was around. It was just the person she was."

A year since Emma's tragic death, Chloe has turned her grief into action, launching 'Break the Silence' in Emma's name to raise awareness of mental health and suicide as well as raising money for charities in her honour.

She said: "Rather than just sitting around and crying about it all I decided I wanted to try and make a difference and honour Emma's name through charity events to help raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide."

Together for Emma with Emma’s mam Jayne Cooke and Chloe Leigh Cousins (Image: PROVIDED)

Chloe has raised thousands for charity, all while keeping her friend’s memory at the heart of everything she does.

Now she is planning a black-tie charity ball at Redworth Hall Hotel in Newton Aycliffe on Friday, September 18, which falls on Emma’s birthday.

But the event is at risk of cancellation unless enough tickets are sold.

Chloe and her partner Alexandra doing 100k steps in a week. Emma is the picture on my phone. (Image: PROVIDED)

Chloe said: "Our charity Ball is now only a couple of months away, and I need to be completely honest. If we don’t sell a minimum of 80 tickets, unfortunately the event won’t be able to go ahead.

"The thought of cancelling absolutely breaks my heart.

"This night has never been about me. It’s about remembering the beautiful people we’ve lost, raising awareness for mental health, and bringing people together to show that nobody has to face their darkest days alone.

"It’s about helping stop other families and friends from experiencing the heartbreak that so many of us have been through, and reminding those who are struggling that they are seen, they are valued, and they are supported."

A special table on the night will be dedicated to loved ones lost, though Chloe says demand has already outgrown the space.

Together for Emma (Image: PROVIDED)

The Charity pub crawl at Durham (Image: PROVIDED)

All profits from the event will go to If U Care Share.

Chloe said: "I’m asking from the bottom of my heart if you can help in any way, I would appreciate it more than words can say.

"Thank you to every single person who has already supported Break the Silence. Your kindness means more than you’ll ever know."

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

Mourners can leave a tribute to Emma in the comment section below.