Tribute to asthma victim
The family of a Shropshire woman, who died just days before a special Valentine's trip to London, today said she made a "big impact" on everyone she met. The family of a 25-year-old Shropshire woman, who died suddenly just days before a special Valentine's trip to London, today said she made a "big impact" on everyone she met. Victoria Leach, of Nesscliffe, died following an asthma attack while visiting her boyfriend in Cambridge. Her parents, Eric and Ann Leach, paid tribute to their daughter whom they described as "very bubbly" and "always smiling". Mrs Leach said: "Everyone that met her or anyone she came into contact with she made a big impact on. She was well liked by everyone." Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
Victoria Leach, of Nesscliffe, died following an asthma attack while visiting her boyfriend in Cambridge. Her parents, Eric and Ann Leach, paid tribute to their daughter whom they described as "very bubbly" and "always smiling".
Mrs Leach said: "Everyone that met her or anyone she came into contact with she made a big impact on. She was well liked by everyone."
Victoria was a former pupil of St Andrews Primary School, Nesscliffe, Baschurch Corbet School and North Shropshire College, before going on to Ruskin University in Cambridge where she achieved an honours degree in art and drama.
She worked as a receptionist for the Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology and ShropDoc, but Mrs Leach said Victoria's ambition since she was very young was to become an actress.
Mrs Leach said: "She was very good at acting and her art work was exceptional. She liked drawing and sketching and she loved her music."
"She was visiting her boyfriend, Paul Fourtunato, to spend Valentine's Day with him. He had all sorts planned. They were going to take a trip up the London eye and have champagne. They were going to stay a couple of days and see the sights.
"She was also going to be chief bridesmaid at her friend's wedding in August in Italy.
"It was her boyfriend's sister's wedding, Josie. They have been best friends for many years."
Victoria, who died on Friday, also leaves two sisters, Veronica Walton, 27, and Marriclare Summerford-Leach, 29, two nieces and two nephews.
Mrs Leach added: "We would like to thank everyone for their tributes, kind thoughts and cards."
Victoria's funeral will be held on February 23 at the Roman Catholic cathedral, Shrewsbury, at 12.15pm, followed by burial at Great Ness Church at 2.40pm.
The family said all those who knew Victoria are most welcome to attend.
By Suzanne Roberts