THE family of a mother-of-five have paid tribute to “a woman with a heart of gold”.

Lynnsey Catley, 37, was found dead at her home in St Mary’s Close, Audley, Blackburn, on Thursday evening.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Miss Catley died as a result of hanging.

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Her sisters, Ema Catley and Natalie Dewhurst, described her as “a loving mother who thought the world of her children”.

Miss Catley, who went to St Alban’s RC Primary School and Our Lady and Saint John Catholic College, formerly lived in Shadsworth.

Miss Dewhurst, 32, said Miss Catley was devoted to her children, Ryan, 20, Reece, 19, Scott, 14, and six-year-old twins Bobby and Jaydan.

She said: “She would do anything for anyone. She had an absolute heart of gold. Yes she had her troubles, but she had a lot of friends. Her troubles didn’t mean she loved them or her family any less.

“Lynnsey always lived a troubled life, but she had a cracking personality. She really was larger than life.

“No matter what happened, she always loved her children and put them first. She was so good in that sense.

“It was hard for her, but that didn’t mean she loved anyone any less.

“When we heard the news, it was so hard. I spoke to our sister, Ema, and I told her that she was lying. I couldn’t believe it.

“We knew Lynnsey had mental health problems, but we never expected this.”

Ema, 35, said: “I’d echo what Natalie said. Lynnsey was a woman with a heart of gold. She loved those kids with all her world. She was all about the kids.

“She had her troubles, but we loved her no matter what. She was so kind. If she saw someone in need on the street, she would do whatever she could to help them.

“She was a real free spirit who loved being out and about and travelling. We’re all going to miss her desperately.”

Miss Catley, also has a third sister, Michelle Catley. Her separated parents, Anne and Mick, were in Blackburn yesterday to make funeral arrangements.

A 40-year-old man, also from Blackburn, was arrested at the scene by police, but released without charge later on Thursday.