Mother's moving tribute to fire-death daughters
Apr 10 2007 By The Journal
A grieving mother whose two daughters were killed in a house fire has paid a moving tribute to her girls.
Demi-Jade[correct] Spence, 12, and her sister, Tatum, [correct] 14, died when fire tore through their home on Lisle Road, South Shields, on Wednesday.
Now, their mother Anita, 37, and older brother Shane have spoken about their loss for the first time on a memorial website - www.gonetoosoon.co.uk.
Mrs Spence was treated at South Tyneside District Hospital after leaping from a window during the fire, while the girls' father, John Spence, is still in a critical condition in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary after suffering serious burns trying to fight his way back inside the house.
In an emotional online tribute, Mrs Spence wrote of her heartbreak at losing her "angels".
She said: "Tatum and Demi-Jade you were my reason for living. I don't know how I can go on without you my beautiful baby girls.
"You were adored by everyone that met you. One could not wish for better daughters. You had hearts of gold. You lit up a room."
Mrs Spence's message for eldest daughter Tatum reads: "My Tatum you were such a fun-loving girl, you were my baby girl, you had more friends than anyone.
"I feel so blessed and proud to be your mam. You loved to cook, your friends you loved to bits, you had a heart of gold, you would do anything for anyone.
"You are my angel my beautiful, kind and caring baby. So hold on tight to your Demi-Jade. So sorry my angel, your heartbroken mam."
For her younger daughter, Demi-Jade, she wrote: "My Demi-Jade you were my baby girl, so soft and gentle with a heart of gold.
"You were peace itself, you were my angel and I could not wish for a better daughter. You had your whole life mapped out from the age of two.
"You said I'm going to be a vet, you loved animals, so caring for them. So sleep tight my angel, hold tight to your Tatum. I'm so sorry, I will love you forever. Your heartbroken mam."
There were also messages from the girls' older brother Shane and uncle Alan.
A 17-year-old, arrested on suspicion of murder following the fire, has been released on bail.
