TRIBUTES have been pouring in to a popular 23-year-old Burnham woman who has died from cystic fibrosis.

Georgia Queen, who celebrated her birthday in August, worked as a carer at Burnham Nursing Home until she became too ill to continue.

The former Bridgwater College student was taken ill on August 30. She was airlifted to Musgrove Hospital where she was put on life support but died later that week.

Georgia’s aunt, Karen Lavender told the Weekly News: “She was such a caring, bubbly girl who loved living.

“It’s such a shame because 23 is far too young. There was a glimmer of hope at one point but sadly she died on Thursday afternoon.”

Friends and family gathered at the Bay Centre to remember Georgia and in a moving tribute lit more than150 lanterns.

Fiona May Welsh, who had known ised the tribute along with Leona Walsh, Calais Hutchins, Emma White, April Colman and Mark Dyer.

Fiona said: “She was the most amazing loyal friend who wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

“Everyone she met she made an impact on, she was a social butterfly and everywhere she went she made new friends.

“It has been very tough on us all, especially her parents.

“They have been fantastic and have involved us greatly with the funeral arrangements.”

As well as the gathering at the Bay Centre Georgia’s friends decided to have the letter ‘G’ tattooed on their arms, including Georgia’s cousin, Avis, living in America.

Karen Lavender said: “It was so nice to see so many people there.

“Georgia was well known in Burnham and it just shows how many people thought so much of her when you see all those lanterns.

“After hearing about her friends getting the tattoos the family all went out to get them that night too.

Georgia’s parents, Gilly and Kevin Lavendar said: “We would just like to thank all of her friends, they’ve all been amazing, we’ve just been bowled over really at what they’ve done.

“It was a lovely send off for her, it showed how much Georgia meant to them.”

Georgia’s funeral was due to take place today at 1pm St Andrew’s Church.