A DEVASTATED family have paid tribute to their living angel whose life was cut short when she suffered an asthma attack – and would like to thank everyone for their support. Shannon Shaw, 13, of Broadwater Crescent, had suffered from asthma all her life

A DEVASTATED family have paid tribute to their "living angel" whose life was cut short when she suffered an asthma attack - and would like to thank everyone for their support.

Shannon Shaw, 13, of Broadwater Crescent, had suffered from asthma all her life, but it was not until Monday last week at around 9pm that the disease left her fighting for breath, despite her having an asthma inhaler in her bag.

She had been to Pizza Hut with a group of friends but decided to leave early because she did not feel well so her mother, Deon, 39, agreed to meet her at a bus stop near her home.

But when the number 5 Arriva bus reached her mother, she was fighting for breath and although paramedics and hospital staff at the Lister did all they could to help her, she later died.

Since her death, family and friends have left letters and flowers outside her home.

Deon said: "It's nice to see she was loved by so many people

"All the cards and letters we have received have said the same thing - that she had a fantastic smile that would light up a room.

"We will miss her presence and her infectious laugh.

"She was always so caring and was always liked helping around the house."

The Barnwell School pupil who leaves behind three sisters - Ayesha, 17, Naiomi, 16, and Tyla, 12 - had a love for animals, especially horses.

She was about to pick her GCSE options and was talking about becoming a PE teacher when she was older.

Deon said: "The way it happened was so sudden. It's so surreal.

"But I feel her strength is keeping me and my girls together."

Within 48 hours of her death the website www.gonetoosoon.co.uk, a memorial website that celebrates the life of a loved one who has passed away, had 1,000 hits with friends and family leaving messages.

Annie Shaw, 41, Shannon's aunt, said: "Shannon was a living angel and since the incident everyone has been fantastic. She was such a popular little girl and we would like to thank our family and friends as well as the paramedics and hospital staff at the Lister for all their help and support."

Gary Sanderson, the East of England Ambulance Service spokesman, said: "Our thoughts are firmly with her family and friends at this tragic time."

* Shannon's funeral will be held at Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage on Monday at 3.30pm.

Before the service two white horses and a white carriage carrying Shannon's coffin will leave her home at 3pm, followed by family and friends.

Anyone is welcome to attend to the funeral.