THE parents of a popular York mum-of-three who died suddenly after suffering an asthma attack have spoken of their gratitude for the support given to their family.

Emma Louise Thompson, 31, of Clifton, died at York Hospital after complaining of shortness of breath linked to her asthma.

She leaves three young daughters – Georgia, eight, Stevie-Grace, four, Emmie, ten months old – and her fiancé, Stephen Ward.

Her parents, Clive and Sue Thompson, have thanked everyone who knew Emma for all their, “help and support and kind thoughts” at a very sad and difficult time for the family.

A trust fund has been set up for Emma’s children with friends taking part in a sponsored fun run on Knavesmire days after she died.

Emma’s friend, Netty Moore, of Clifton, has set up a fundraising family day at Burton Stone Lane Working Men’s club on Saturday, November 23 in aid of the trust fund.

Clive and Sue said: “It is a big comfort to us to know that Emma has so many friends with such big hearts, thank you all so much. A big thank-you to all who organised the fun run and all who took part.

“To Netty, a woman with a big heart of gold, thank you for everything that you have done and everything that you are doing. Emma would be very proud of you and proud to have you as a friend.”

Emma’s funeral at St Philip and St James Church in Clifton last week was so well attended that mourners stood right up to the door to hear Clive and Emma’s brother, Daniel “Gizmo” Thompson, pay tribute to his sister.

As previously reported in The Press, Marie, Emma’s sister, described her as a “beautiful, well respected, polite young woman with her whole life ahead of her with her fiancé and three wonderful little girls”.

She said: “Emma never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was the life and soul of any party. Emma loved her family and friends and she loved life. She had the biggest of smiles and was not only a family member but our best friend. We will miss her forever.”

A full-time mum to her daughters, the former Queen Anne School pupil had suffered asthma attacks in the past and had gone to hospital for treatment.

She went to hospital by taxi shortly after midnight on October 23 and died that day.

Emma, of Peter Hill Court, had also had another daughter, Danni-May, who died as a baby.

The family event at Burton Stone Lane WMC on November 23 will run from 11am to 4pm and will include entertainment, kids fancy dress, a raffle and tombola.