Tributes to tragic Becky Hellman who died in her sleep

Apr 10 2010 by Dave Black, The Journal

THE devastated family of a teenage girl who died suddenly in her sleep last night spoke of the "huge void" she has left behind in the lives of all who knew her.

Tributes have flooded in for popular and fun-loving Becky Hellman, whose sudden death has shocked the equestrian and farming community in Northumberland.

Family and friends of the 17-year-old student have been left devastated after she passed away in her sleep at her home in Newton-by-the-Sea near Embleton.

Becky was the granddaughter of well-known point-to-point racehorse trainer Victor Thompson, and lived close to him with her parents and younger brother Christian on a farm steading in the coastal village.

She was a talented young horse rider and showjumper herself, used to compete in Percy Hunt Pony Club events and regularly exercised some of Mr Thompson’s racehorses at his stables.

Becky underwent heart surgery 18 months ago for a problem caused when she contracted a virus.

But last night her mother Jayne described her death overnight on Wednesday as a mystery, saying she did not believe it was connected to her heart condition.

She described her daughter as "the light of our lives", adding: "She was always so bubbly and smiling. It’s a huge void she has left. She just went to bed and that was it."

Victor said he was now going to give up racehorse training after carrying on only because Becky persuaded him to.

"I’m just devastated," he said. "She wasn’t just my granddaughter, she was my best friend. We did everything together. I don’t know what to say – I can’t get over it. We went everywhere together and always having fun.

"She had everything to live for. I was going to pack up horses but she persuaded me not to, but I will now.