Tributes paid to healthcare worker and Kate Nash 'superfan' who has died at 22
A mother has paid tribute to her beloved daughter and Kate Nash "superfan", who has died at the age of 22.
"Fun-loving" Laura Lily-Anne Ray, of Bitterne Park, was a healthcare assistant in Marchwood whose death has left friends and family devastated.
Mum Janina said Laura would be missed by everyone who knew her - with singer Kate Nash, best known for her track Foundations, penning a letter of condolence to the family.
The singer's track Ray, released in 2024 as part of 9 Sad Symphonies, was created for Laura's 18th birthday and takes its name from Laura.
Laura Lily-Anne Ray (Image: Supplied)
READ MORE:
Janina said: "She was fun-loving and she loved animals.
"She impacted everyone; her friends are obviously devastated.
"She loved getting tattoos, loved EastEnders. She was just a very special individual.
"We are devastated, it isn't easy. We have two young boys, so we are having to keep going for them."
Laura, a former pupil at Bitterne Park School, was also a member of Westfield Productions and loved performing in pantos, dancing and singing.
Laura performing with Westfield in the Panto at the Point 2024 (Image: Supplied)
She worked as a senior health care assistant at the Marchwood Priory.
Janina says Laura had suffered with her mental health, but wanted to use her experience to try and help others, adding: "She excelled at her work and she absolutely loved it.
"Laura and I were inspired by Kate Nash at the first gig we saw her at Brighton on her Mental tour.
"She spoke so openly about mental health, how it was ok to have feelings and to talk."
The family were touched to receive a card and flowers from Kate Nash - who Laura first saw in around 2017 - and condolences from fellow fans as far away as America.
In the card, Kate Nash called Laura a "shining light", adding: "I was so proud to call her a fan.
"I remember the first time I saw her, she showed me so much love and support.
"She will be so missed, and I will never forget her."
Janina adds that Laura had two sphinx cats, Ronnie and Rocko, who are up for rehoming as the family cannot care for them.
READ MORE: Southampton MP calls for school water safety lessons after death of teen
Laura Lily-Anne Ray and Kate Nash (Image: Supplied)
"We have had lots of really nice messages of condolences. A card and flowers from Kate Nash, lots from work and individual messages," added Janina.
"We were supposed to be going to Portugal next Saturday together as a family. She was really looking forward to it."
The last time Laura's mum saw her in person was at a family outing at Victoria Country Park on the Thursday before she died. The family spent time enjoying ice creams and making TikTok videos on the beach.
Staff at Marchwood Priory, where she worked, have said she was passionate, and "brilliant with the patients and a real team player".
She had been living with her grandfather in Bassett, where she sadly took her own life on May 26, her family said.
Donations in memory of Laura can be made to MIND.
An event is planned to raise money and pay tribute to Laura at the Hop Inn, Woodmill Lane, from 6pm today.
Call Samaritans on 116 123 for support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Screen Geek
42 minutes ago
- Screen Geek
Jon Bernthal To Return As The Punisher In 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'
One of the great things about Marvel Studios and Sony working together is that it allows the live-action Spider-Man franchise to incorporate other beloved Marvel characters outside of Sony's Spider-Man rights. As such, it's been announced that Punisher actor Jon Bernthal will reprise his role for the upcoming MCU project Spider-Man: Brand New Day . The new film will be the fourth live-action solo Spider-Man film set in the MCU, all of which have starred Tom Holland as the titular webslinger. Now it looks like Holland will be working alongside Bernthal who played the Punisher in both Daredevil shows, his own spin-off series, and an upcoming Punisher special for Disney Plus in addition to other MCU appearances. We previously reported back in 2021 that Marvel Studios was interested in having Jon Bernthal appear in a Spider-Man film, and not only that, but that they wanted Bernthal to return in a solo project as well. This does line up with the new announcement, as shared via THR, which confirms Bernthal is returning in the newest Spider-Man entry: 'Bernthal has joined Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day , the latest Spider-Man movie from Sony and Marvel. Destin Daniel Cretton is directing the feature, which will shoot in England this summer.' In addition to Holland and Bernthal, the film will also feature MCU stars Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, in addition to newcomer Sadie Sink in an unknown role. Many details regarding the projects are being kept under wraps, including what other characters or plot details fans will get to expect, but hopefully more information will be shared in the near future. Especially now that we know The Punisher will somehow be involved. Fans will be able to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day when it hits theaters next year on July 31, 2026. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding the highly-anticipated MCU blockbuster as we have them.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Coronation Street star reportedly quits with final scenes having already aired
A Coronation Street star is said to have left the ITV soap, with fans having already watched his final scenes. Jack Carroll, known for his role as Bobby Crawford, is reported to have left the show after two years. The 26-year-old first came to wider attention after appearing on Britain's Got Talent back in 2013. In the seventh series of the ITV talent show, his comedic act saw him finish as runner-up. Since then, he has acted in a few films and TV shows, including Trollied, Eaten By Lions, Doctors, Father Brown and more. He arrived on Coronation Street in 2023 as the nephew of Carla Connor, and the secret son of Rob Donovan. In a recent storyline, Bobby and Lauren Bolton clashed when she wrongly accused him of blackmailing her. This infuriated Bobby, who told Lauren that they were no longer friends, and decided to go on a lads' holiday to Spain with Simon Barlow. According to reports, this apparently has marked Carroll's exit from the soap, which his last episode having aired back on May 12. A source told The Mirror: "Bobby has had a dramatic couple of years on the cobbles, but the time has come to bid farewell. "Actor Jack enjoyed his time on the soap, but it's time to move on. Viewers won't see the character exit the street as he's already left, with Jack filming his final scenes some time ago. "The door has been left open for Jack should he wish to come back to the show in the future. With his Aunty Carla there, Bobby will always have a place in Weatherfield." Recommended reading: Coronation Street star heartbroken as business burns down in 'devastating' fire Call the Midwife confirms return of star as fans say 'he's back where he belongs' Emmerdale fans slam 'grating' storyline involving 'dull' ITV character During his time on the show, Jack's character was involved in a number of hard-hitting storylines, including his shock reveal that he was killer Rob Donovan's secret son. His aunt Carla then took him under her wing, but was left reeling when she found out Bobby had planned to help Rob escape after he had kidnapped her. Jack's exit follows a number of departures of young actors from the soap, including Colson Smith, Luca Toolan and Charlotte Jordan. Newsquest has contacted ITV for comment.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
No, You Never Saw Colin Firth's Darcy Leave The Pond – And 7 Other Mandela Effect Misremembrances
I like to consider myself a pretty enthusiastic Pride and Prejudice fan (I'm re-re-re-reading my Austen collection at the moment to celebrate 250 years since her birth). And among fans of the book, it is a truth (almost) universally acknowledged that the 1995 BBC adaptation is the best. Sorry, Kiera Knightley. But a recent YouGov poll has shaken me to my core. Researching common Mandela effects – a name given to what seem to be collective memories or inaccurate happenings, like a common misconception that Nelson Mandela died in prison in the '80s – I found Colin Firth's Darcy implicated. His character, famous for THAT pond scene, never actually emerges, sodden-shirted, from the pool on-screen, the researchers wrote. This is despite almost half of us (49%) vividly remembering the moment. 'Mr Darcy is seen walking on his estate, having swum in his lake, but you never see him emerging,' they shared (a peek at the clip confirms the sad fact). Here are some of the other mind-melting false memories common among Brits: Though 59% of people polled said they were sure Mr Monopoly wore the accessory, he does not. I am among the 52% who could have sworn the cartoon character's throat boasted a prominent Adam's apple. In reality, it's straight up and down. Instead, the iconic Star Wars line goes: 'No, I am your father.' 48% of us got it wrong. 38% of people asked were convinced that the crisp packet used to be blue, but then changed to green. Still, more of us (39%) had the right answer: it was always green, though Lays salt and vinegar (the American branch) is blue. 16% of us thought the brand name once had a hyphen, which is untrue. 29% of Brits polled were sure they remembered rude names for the cartoon character's animated buddies; names like Seaman Staines or Roger the Cabin Boy. No such names existed in the Pugaverse; the show's director has even successfully sued over the claims. Only 3% fell for the original Mandela effect story, with 76% correctly remembering that he died in 2013 after serving as President of South Africa (21% were unsure). That's compared to 13% of Americans who believed the '80s death myth. Sure, that might make you feel smug for a second – but remembering the stark reality of Colin Firth's Pride And Prejudice scene (for which, by the way, the actor used a body double) wiped the smile off my face, at least. Who Cares About Pride And Prejudice's New Darcy? Austen Knew He Was Never The Real Romantic Lead Here's Why Pride And Prejudice's 2005 UK Ending Was So Different To The US' Jane Austen Fans Share Her 9 Best TV And Movie Adaptations Of All Time
