'Brightest light' mum-of-two, 38, found dead as family pay heartbreaking tribute

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a much-loved mum-of-two after her tragic death aged just 38.

Cassie McDonald - described by her family as 'the brightest light in all our lives' - was found dead on May 6 in Swinton, Salford. The tragedy isn't being treated as suspicious.

Cassie leaves daughter Kenya, 18, and son Khol, 15. An appeal on GoFundMe has now topped £10,000 as friends rally round to support them.

Dozens of people also gathered to remember Cassie's life at a balloon release on Partington Lane where she lived.

Her family described her in a tribute sent to the Manchester Evening News as a 'dancing queen' who would 'always be the brightest star in our sky'. They told in the statement how Cassie was now at peace, saying her 'pain and struggles became too much for her', reports the Manchester Evening News.

Her family said in the statement: "On May 6, our beautiful Cassie McDonald gained her angel wings, leaving behind her two young children Kenya and Khol.

"Everybody that ever had the good fortune to meet Cassie knows that she was always the life and soul of the party, but sadly her pain and struggles became too much for her. Her beautiful smile would light up any room and she had so much love for her friends and family.

"Cassie didn't deserve this and as a family we are all heartbroken and devastated, especially her two beautiful children. The moment we found out that Cassie had gone, we knew that our lives would never ever be the same again. Cassie was the brightest light in all our lives, and she leaves the biggest void in our hearts. We know that she is at peace at last with her beloved dad and brother Lance.

"Heaven has gained a beautiful soul and Cassie will always be the brightest star in our sky. We hope our dancing queen is partying hard with the angels now.

"We are kindly asking for donations for her Children as this is something none of us were prepared for, and no child should ever have to lose their mum in such tragic circumstances. We just want Kenya and Khol to be able to grieve for their beautiful mum, without having to worry about anything else."

A tribute online describes Salford-native Cassie, a former student of St Ambrose Barlow High School, as the 'brightest star in our sky', adding social media tributes are being received.

The GoFundMe appeal continues: "Life will never be the same again."

"Cassie has left the biggest holes in our hearts but she's now at peace. We'll all miss that beautiful smile that would light up any room. Heaven really has gained a beautiful soul - party hard up there dancing queen. God bless and goodnight. We all love you Cassie."

An inquest into her tragic passing is scheduled to be heard at a later date.

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