Student nurse’s sudden death

Lucy Blackburn (20) was in her second year work place placement at Warrington Hospital when she was found collapsed in toilets on Tuesday.

Her heartbroken mum Susan Thorley, of Hapton, said it did not seem true that Lucy had died.

She said: “Lucy was diagnosed with epilepsy five years ago. We don’t know how she died yet but think she may have had a seizure.

“We are dumbstruck, it does not seem real. Lucy had worked so hard to get to university and become a student nurse.

“We have been inundated with messages from people around the world who knew Lucy.

“They are all saying how she would light up a room with her smile and was famous for her cackling laugh. We are just devastated.”

Lucy, who attended Hameldon Community College and Burnley College, was studying to be a nurse at the University of Chester.

She also worked at the Burnley Next store in her holidays.

Susan added: “Lucy was a typical young girl who loved to take selfies – she was a Facebook queen.

“She adored the Harry Potter films and loved her friends. She had sent them all a Snapchat message shortly before she died.

“Originally, Lucy wanted to be a teacher but decided to become a nurse when her grandma got ill.”

Lucy leaves mum Susan, dad Christopher Blackburn, step-dad Craig, brother Macaulay and sister Kia.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday at All Saints Church, Habergham, and Burnley Crematorium.

Susan has asked anyone attending the funeral to wear bright clothes and lipstick. The family want everyone to release balloons after the service.