Mum-of-five Suzanne Carruthers died on Monday, December 1, shortly after falling ill from a sickness bug.

The 44-year-old, who was mum to children Aimée, 22, James, 19, Scott, 16, Victoria, 13, and Kayleigh, 11, had suffered from severe asthma and had a history of medical problems, although it is yet to be confirmed whether these were linked to her death.

Her death comes as heartbreaking blow to her family, including partner Darren McBride, 37, and five children, who are having to face Christmas this year without her.

Suzanne’s eldest daughter Aimée, who lives in Johnstone, has been left with the responsibility of looking after her younger sisters.

But kind-hearted members of the local community have dug deep and donated toys and money to help the children try to enjoy Christmas without their beloved mum.

An appeal launched on Facebook by relative Laura Fullarton has raised a healthy sum to help Aimee provide for her four younger brothers and sisters.

Aimée, who is also mum to five-year-old son Jayden said: “It still feels as though I’m in a dream, my mum was also my best friend and we’ve always been really close. She was just amazing.

“It makes it so hard for the kids at this time of year but the amount of support we’ve had from the community has been overwhelming.

“Today we put up our decorations and tree and, although Christmas will never be the same again, mark my words I will make sure the kids will be well looked after and we’ll make mum proud.

“I’m honestly lost for words at how kind and generous people have been, I don’t know what to say other than thank you so much to every one on behalf of all the family.

“We are honestly so overwhelmed with all the lovely messages and support. Reading all the lovely things people said about her bring huge comfort - I could read them all day.” Christmas for the family will no doubt be a devastating time however Suzanne’s eldest daughter Aimée said she is “determined” to stay strong for her brothers and sisters.

She also paid a special tribute to her mum, who she described as always being “the life and soul of the party.” She added “We’re still in shock but trying to hold it together. People will remember my mum as the one who was always first up dancing and singing at a party, she loved the karaoke.

“My mum stayed in Johnstone all her life. She spoke to everybody and when she started making all her headbands and home made gifts for people she got to know even more people.

“My mum was going to get a shop in Paisley and she was ready to open soon. It’s really sad that she never got the chance.” Police confirmed Ms Carruthers had died shortly after a family doctor visited her home but said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Paramedics were called to the home she shared with her partner Darren in attempts to revive Suzanne but sadly she never pulled through.

News of Suzanne’s sudden death has also shook large segments of the community, with many turning to social media to pay tribute to the popular grandmother.

Aimée’s aunt, Laura Fullarton, and Suzanne’s close friend, Lainey Begley were collecting in Johnstone’s Houston Square on Saturdayfor Christmas donations for the children.

Laura said: “I would just like to thank everyone that has made donations for Suzanne Carruthers’ family I cannot believe how kind everyone of you have been.

“It’s overwhelming the amount of people who have donated, even people that don’t know the family have been giving donations.

“I’ll be giving the money to Aimée who can start getting the kids’ Christmas presents in. Thank you very much for all the support.” Contact Laura Fullarton at lfullarton87@gmail.com for more information on the appeal.