Tributes have poured in for a teenage Newcastle United fan, described as a "real life angel", who passed away unexpectedly in her sleep.
"Lovely and bubbly" 17-year-old Billie-Jo Allen was a passionate Magpies fan who would regularly attend matches at St James' Park.
Her mum, Joanne Allen, said: "Her death was totally sudden and unexpected, it's absolutely devastating and our whole family and town can't believe it."
Go here for the latest news live from Newcastle city centre
Her mum, Joanne Allen, said: "Her death was totally sudden and unexpected, it's absolutely devastating and our whole family and town can't believe it."
Her devastated family are now calling for a round of applause from fans at St James' Park during the 17th minute of Newcastle's match against Everton on February 8, to celebrate her life.
Joanne, who grew up in Battle Hill but now lives in Egremont in Cumbria with her family, added: "She absolutely loved going to the games and was a true fan, so to have thousands of Geordie supporters applauding my little girl would be amazing.
"She was so happy the last time we saw a match in November. We'd come into Newcastle to finish our Christmas shopping, and she knew we were playing a home match, so she pleaded with me to get tickets."
Billie-Jo was "very poorly her whole life", living with chronic lung disease and undergoing brain surgery as a child. However, it is not believed any of her underlying health conditions contributed to her death.
Joanne explained that Billie-Jo "never complained about being in hospital" and was "brave, kind and good" the whole way through her treatments.
In fact, the hard-working student was at college studying health and social care so that she could embark on a career in nursing, and give back to the NHS.
Billie-Jo was the "baby of the family", with four older brothers and older two sisters, and was the centre of a "large group of friends".
Joanne, 50, explained: "She was the centre of everyone's world, she brought everyone together, and acted as the family glue.
"We are having to put on a bus for her funeral on Friday because we expect so many friends to turn up.
"The whole town is in shock and we've had so many wonderful comments saying what a beautiful soul she had.
"She really was amazing - and you'd never hear a bad word cross her lips."
The family received an inconclusive autopsy and say it could be months until the reason for Billie-Jo's death is established.
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
