A COUPLE from Blackburn have paid tribute to their "ideal daughter", who died after suffering from breathlessness at her home.

Julie Ann Duxbury, 41, of Leamington Road, Blackburn, was found collapsed in her kitchen by her partner Peter Spence.

She had gone downstairs for a drink of water at about 6.30am.

Paramedics were able to revive the mother-of-one, but Julie later died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department.

Parents Eddie and Mary Duxbury, of Arthur Way, said they were completely devastated by the death of their daughter, who had a 12-year-old daughter, Claire.

Mr Duxbury, a well-known community campaigner, had spoken to his daughter last Tuesday night, the day before she died. He said: "She did sound breathless, but it didn't seem to be anything to worry about. To my knowledge, Julie did not suffer from any medical problems.

"Julie was the daughter everyone would love to have.

"She was the ideal daughter, everyone liked her. She was very close to friends and family.

"Julie was an outgoing person and had a large circle of friends. She loved helping people, she loved to cook and we loved her cooking.

"Julie would pop round about four times a week. We were very close to her, as we are with her sister Gwen."

Mrs Duxbury, who is recovering from an operation, said: "Julie had a heart of gold. She would do anything for anyone. If anyone needed help she would go out of her way to help them."

Mrs Duxbury, who was in the operating theatre when Julie died, was informed of her daughter's death two-and- a-half days later when she had been moved on to the recovery ward at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

She said: "I kept asking why Julie hadn't come in to see me, but no-one would tell me. It was only when I was moved on to the recovery ward that my husband told me.

"I feel like it is a bad dream that I can't wake up from. I am finding it very hard to accept that this has happened. It doesn't seem real."

Mr Duxbury, 76, said: "You never expect your children to go first. It has taken the heart out of me really. I don't think I will ever recover. I am absolutely devastated."

He added: "We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and paramedics who treated Julie. They do a wonderful job."

Julie's funeral was being held today, at 11am, at Sacred Heart Church, Preston New Road.

An inquest will be held in September.