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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)
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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.
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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.
