Heartbroken loved ones pay tribute to ‘one in a million’ NHS worker who has died suddenly

The heartbroken family and friends of an NHS worker who suddenly died at home have paid tribute to her, calling her a ‘one in a million’ girl who would help anyone.

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

Loved by patients and staff alike, Amber had even won an award for helping families during the Covid pandemic.

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

In tribute to her, Amber’s heartbroken mother Jo Thompson of Middlesbrough said: ‘She was wonderful, a beautiful girl inside and out.

The beloved 24-year-old NHS worker spent four years working as a medical secretary at St James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and won 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 is gone.

“She was naturally beautiful and had everything on point. She was the full package, she always had her nails and hair done and was so smart – a first grade student. She was really great.

“So many people have reached out, from her old employers to her teachers. Anyone lucky enough to have met her has contacted 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 to look her best.

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

She later completed a Level 3 course and her A Levels at Macmillan, then completed an apprenticeship with Clevland Police.

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 ‘one-in-a-million’ woman who was ‘the kindest girl’

Tributes poured in on social media after Amber’s death.

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

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

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

Last weekend, a balloon was released to celebrate Amber, with her family and friends coming to pay tribute.

Her mother added, “It was colorful, it was bright, it was everything she stood for.”

Amber’s life will be celebrated on Friday, March 17 at 10:30 am at St. Bede’s Chapel, Acklam.

Her loved ones will meet at 11.45am at Linthorpe Cemetery, Middlesbrough to say their final goodbyes.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed.