TRIBUTES have been made to a much-loved mother of four, described as “an angel on this earth”, who tragically died on Christmas Day.

The family of lifelong Parkstone resident Natalie Feeney say they are “utterly devastated and heartbroken” after the full-time mum died from a heart attack while undergoing surgery at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Natalie, aged 39, was admitted to hospital on December 22 when a boil on her stomach split and became infected. This led to her contracting sepsis.

On Christmas Day, while undergoing emergency surgery to have the wound cleaned and stitched, Natalie suffered a fatal heart attack and died in the early hours of the morning.

Single mum Natalie was the primary carer for her 10-year-old daughter Lilly who is registered blind and has albinism.

Natalie’s sister Melissa Mchardy told the Daily Echo her passing “doesn’t seem real” and that her children “can’t believe they’re not going to see their mum again”.

In tribute to her sister, she said: “Natalie was an angel on this earth. She raised hundreds of pounds for charities and couldn’t go past a homeless person without giving them what she had – she was that kind of person.

Bournemouth Echo: Parkstone woman Natalie FeeneyParkstone woman Natalie Feeney (Image: Family of Natalie Feeney)

“She was so selfless and put everybody before herself. She had a heart of gold and was always helping people, from giving them a listening ear to helping with food or money. She touched the lives of everyone who came across her.

“Natalie was a devoted, loving, caring, funny young mum. My brother and I have lost not only our sister, but our best friend. We’ll miss her always.”

Following Natalie’s passing, her friend Patricia Risbridger began crowdfunding on behalf of the family to help with funeral costs.

In just over 24 hours, the £1,000 target was reached and subsequently exceeded.

In response, Melissa and her brother Ryan Sanderson said: “As a family we are utterly devastated and heartbroken, but would like to thank everyone so much for their donations – we really are eternally grateful and blown away. Hopefully we can give Natalie the send-off she truly deserves.

“She was an earth angel, and now she’s an angel with wings.”

Natalie is survived by her children Summer (20), Frankie (17), and twins Lilly and Rosie (10).

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Natalies-send-off to view the funeral appeal.