Tributes pour in for Blackburn mum who died aged 53

Mandie Jayne Braughan died on January 19 , aged 53. She was surrounded by her family.

Mandie was described as the “driving force” behind Shad Chefs Woman Hub, a mental health support group for women aged 18 or over.

The group was set up after the success of  The Shad Chefs Man Hub,  a male focussed support group where men can meet up to talk about any issues they have without facing judgement or criticism.

The Shad Chefs posted a tribute to Mandi and said she “put her heart and soul into helping the less fortunate”.

A spokesperson said: “Mandie has been part of this community for quite some time now and has been a very active and positive role model and supportive peer to a lot of you that will be reading this.

Mandie Jayne Braughan was described as the “driving force” behind Shad Chefs Woman Hub (Image: Shad Chefs)

“Mandie worked at Shadsworth House and put her heart and soul into helping the less fortunate people who had found themselves there. That was where [we] met Mandie and spoke to her and Joanne about Shad Chefs Woman Hub.

“Straight away, I knew that we had the right woman for the job. Mandie has been the driving force behind Shad Chefs Woman Hub since the day it was formed.

“Even when ill, Mandie was pushing and making sure that the women who attended had somewhere safe to go and feel welcomed and loved. I spoke to Mandie on WhatsApp as recently as three days ago and even though she was very ill, she was determined she would be going back and carrying on the brilliant work she had been doing before she fell ill.

“That sort of grit and determination doesn't come around very often and is a testament to the fiery character that she was.

“I hope I can speak for everyone when I say that Mandie will leave a big hole in every single persons heart that she came across at the woman hub, work and in her day to day life.

“We would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Jae, Kelly, and the rest of Mandie's children. Your mum was a very special woman. I'm sure that you will keep her memory alive in you all. Condolences also to the rest of Mandie's family and friends.

“We would also like to thank Mandie for her commitment to Shad Chefs Woman Hub. You're going to be missed, Mandie.”

Mandi’s son, Jae Fielding, said: “She was incredibly proud of her kids and she was a family [orientated] lady.

“She wanted nothing more than her family to stick together and in her final days she made it very clear that she was happy to see her family come together.”

Mandie Jayne Braughan was described as the “driving force” behind Shad Chefs Woman Hub (Image: Shad Chefs)Others have left kind words and tributes to Mandie.

One person said: “I still can’t believe the sad news. She helped me through a lot and I will forever be grateful. We will never find anyone like you again.

Another said: “That's a bit of a shock. What a fantastic lady taken to soon. What you did for the community is nothing short of amazing.

“You'll never be forgotten. Absolutely heartbreaking.”