Much-loved young Tadcaster woman, Sonny Lang, dies aged 23

Sonny Lang, the incredibly popular young Tadcaster woman who battled Cystic Fibrosis all her life, has died aged 23.
Sonny LangSonny Lang
Sonny Lang

The former Tadcaster Grammar School and York College student's death was confirmed on Tuesday morning, February 9, on Facebook.

In an emotional Facebook post by her mother, Anna-Marie Clark, said: "No words, no words can even begin to describe the shattered hearts and souls that we now have.

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"Breathe easy now our beautiful, beautiful angel, you're finally free."

Sonny was diagnosed with the genetic condition Cystic Fibrosis when she was 13-months-old with doctors believing that her illness was already 'beyond redemption'.

But when she was four-years-old, Sonny became the youngest person with the condition to successfully undergo a heart and lung transplant.

Since that day, Sonny has battled a series of setbacks from heart attacks to crippling arthritis until her lungs collapsed during a holiday in Crete in 2014.

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Doctors confirmed her prognoses was now terminal as her organs would be too weak to survive another operation.

Sonny's friends were determined to fill whatever time she had left with incredible memories by raising money to fulfil her 'bucket list'.

An incredible £10,000 was raised for the bubbly young gymnast to help send her and her family on a dream holiday to Florida.

Tadcaster Albion, where both Sonny and her mother worked for seven years, also held a charity football game in October last year to help their cause.

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More than 500 of Sonny's fans packed into the i2i Stadium to watch the star-studded game, raising almost £5,000 in the process.

Sonny's health deteriorated further when she was rushed to hospital on Sunday, January 31 after catching a virus which began to shut down her lungs.

After almost 10 days in hospital, Sonny was unable to battle the latest virus and died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Tributes soon began pouring in for the well-loved Tadcaster girl with hundreds of her friends and family leaving their condolences on Facebook.

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Despite her prolonged ill-health and constant setbacks, Sonny's positive life attitude was one of many qualities admired by her friends and family.

Close friend Emma Louise Saunders said: "I'm going to miss you more than words can describe.

"If you have taught me anything it's to live life to the full & you certainly did despite your illness. I love you so much, rest in peace."

Beth Wilson, who launched Sonny's bucket list, said: "Nothing in this world mentally and physically prepares you to have to say goodbye to your best friend and walk out that room knowing you will never see her again.

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"After fighting all 23 years of her life , she finally grew her wings. Heartbroken just doesn't cut it, fly high my beautiful princess & I will see you on the other side. We love you unconditionally."

Tadcaster Albion posted a heartfelt status for their former employee and one of their biggest fans which has now attracted almost 1,500 likes.

The club said: "We Love you Sonny. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.

"We are all thinking of Anna, Marc,family and friends at this very sad time. Yet we know this is a temporary parting and a happy reunion awaits.

"Love everyone at Tadcaster Albion. Until We Meet Again."