Tributes paid as family left devastated by gifted photographer's death aged 36
This stunning image was among those taken by talented photographer Stephanie Clarke, who died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage aged just 36.
The image shows Mrs Clarke's husband James at Baggeridge Country Park in April this year. James holds an umbrella, sheltering from burning wire wool.
Mrs Clarke, who was a co-founder of Wednesfield Photographic Club, lived in the town and worked tirelessly in the local community, supporting the Community Association, The Hub, Wednesfield History Group, and Hands On Wednesfield.
She died at 6.50am on Friday after suffering a brain haemorrhage at work on Thursday.
Mrs Clarke was due to attend the switch on of Wednesfield's Christmas lights that evening, which she had worked to raise funds for.
Councillor Phil Bateman, Labour councillor for Wednesfield North, said: "As Wednesfield basked in the glory of the Christmas Lights switch-on, Steph and James were missing.
"They are amongst the core community activists that had done all the hard work through the volunteer group 'Hands on Wednesfield' to organise and fund the Wednesfield Christmas Lights.
"We didn't know then that while the lights were being switched on, Steph was fighting for her life."
Mr Clarke posted on Facebook, saying: "Words cannot explain how devastated and lost we are without her, as we know many of you will be."
He posted a picture of himself and his wife with son Jordan, taken while the three were out Christmas shopping last Monday.
Councillor Bateman added: "Rest in peace Steph Clarke – you will always be remembered here in our community."
