Tribute: Emily’s smile lit up room (From Cotswold Journal)
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Tribute: Emily’s smile lit up room
8:02am Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Sarah Taylor
FOND tributes have been paid to a Vale teenager who friends said could light up a room with her amazing smile.
Emily Mayo was aged only 19 when she died last Tuesday after a brave battle with longterm illness which she fought for several years.
Miss Mayo, from Ashton-under- Hill, was a well known and friendly face in the village and a former pupil at Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, where she completed her GCSE’s in 2009.
Close friend Stacy Bromfield said there was so much she could say about the fun times she shared with Emily. She described her as a girl who loved life and that she never let her troubles get in the way of her having a good time.
“She was the most blonde, crazy and life-loving girl I have ever met,” she said.
“She was always giving me amazing advice and had the best time growing up with her. I've known her since we were babies and enjoyed every minute of it.
“We were like sisters as we always argued but we were often too stubborn to make up, but we always did in the end.
“Her death was so unexpected and she left behind a lot of people who loved her very much. I could go on about her and the memories we shared forever.”
Alan Roberts, deputy head at Prince Henry’s High School, remembered Miss Mayo as a very popular student.
He said: “We are very saddened by her death, as is the whole Prince Henry’s community.
She will be sorely missed by her friends, many of whom are still in school. She was a determined and polite young woman and a fighter.
“She had a long-term illness throughout her school career that she battled with very bravely. She was a popular student and within the village, and well known.”
Miss Mayo leaves a large number of family and friends, including her brother Jack who plays football for Ashton. Her mother thanked everyone who had supported the family.
Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 2pm at St Barbara’s Church, Ashton-under- Hill. Those attending are asked to wear something pink and in a reminder of the fun-loving Miss Mayo, her close friends will be wearing ‘onesies’ to her wake.
