Tributes from a local community in Australia have been pouring in for a fit and healthy mum who died after suddenly collapsing earlier this week.
Amber Stokes, 46, was the secretary of Woombye Snakes Football Club in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Andy Kinden, club president and Stokes’ partner, told the Sunshine Coast Daily that on Tuesday 4 July she spent the morning doing all the things she normally would, including going for a run.
However, when the fit and active mum-of-two returned to her Coes Creek home, she lay on her bed and passed out.
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Emergency services rushed to the property where paramedics tried to save her, but sadly she died – with her cause of death remaining unknown at this stage.
Kinden said Stokes was a ‘beautiful person’ in every way, adding: “She’s everyone’s friend, so kind and always with a smile on her face.”
A post on the Woombye Snakes FC Facebook page, signed from ‘Kindo’, also said: “Snakies. Yesterday we lost our beloved Amber. Taken way too soon. She will be missed by all.
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“A truly awesome lady - our thoughts are with Cooper, Sienna and all her family and friends.
“A true friend to all.”
In a statement, Football Queensland also honoured the ‘much loved member of the Sunshine Coast football community’, adding: “We offer our sincere condolences to her two children, family and Woombye Snakes FC, where she was a committed club secretary, player and dear friend to all.”
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A fundraiser has since been set up for Stokes’ family in the wake of her death, with the description paying tribute to the ‘beautiful soul that has been taken away too soon’.
“Amber leaves behind 2 children Cooper and Sienna and her Mum Trish, Dad Jeff and brother Matt,” it said.
“This has come as a shock to everyone that knew Amber. This is being felt far and wide across the community and we reach out now for your help for this beautiful family in their time of grief.
“Anything you can give will help towards any financial outlays that lie ahead for the family through this hard and difficult time.”
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The fundraiser has already far surpassed its AUD $5,000 target having brought in more than AUD $10,000 in donations in just one day.
Jess Hardiman