'She was blessed with the gift of being great and memorable' - tributes pour in for Hartlepool superhero Mandy Andrews

Hundreds of messages were left by Hartlepool Mail readers after the news that Mandy passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, November 21.

Mail followers described Mandy as a ‘larger than life bubbly character’, a ‘lovely lass’ who always had time to stop and talk, and ‘such a beautiful woman’ who lived her life to the full.

More than 200 tributes were left to Mandy who has been in the headlines ever since she had a heart and lung transplant in April 1986.

They included;

Chris Charters who said: “She was never blessed with health but she was blessed with the gift of being great and memorable.”

Julie Ritchie: “I can always remember seeing her shopping in M&S with a big smile on her face.”

Jan Grylls: “Fly high with the Angels, RIP xx”.

Julie Richards: “So sad. Condolences to all your family. You were a lovely bubbly lass. sleep tight Mandy xx.”

Claire Granger: “RIP Mandy you were such a beautiful lady inside & out you will be sadly missed by everyone who knew you. Thinking of your family at this sad time xxx.”

Sarah Vasey: “God bless u Mandy May u rest in eternal peace. I am so honoured to have known you and spend time with you. Such a strong down to earth lady. Sending my deepest sympathy to Mandy’s family in my thoughts and preys xx.”

Linda Reed: “R I P beautiful lady. An inspiration to all transplant recipients.”

Helen Ashcroft: “Always made me smile, such a trooper. You were inspirational to others.. rest in peace.”

Maureen Smith: “Sleep peacefully Mandy. You fought a long and great battle. Heartfelt condolences to the family of this wonderful brave lady xx.”

In 1986, seven months after her 18th birthday, Mandy became the first person in the region to receive a new heart and lungs.

She had the six-hour operation at Harefield Hospital, in Middlesex, following a six-month wait for a donor.

The Mail regularly charted her progress over the following years, with Mandy learning to drive and becoming a godmother and the Mail arranging for her to meet comedy duo Cannon and Ball at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

But after three or four years, her condition deteriorated.

When medics found that a set of donor lungs were compatible, it is thought Mandy became the first patient to have undergone the procedure following the previous transplant.

In 2008, Mandy suffered a setback when she was told that her kidneys had failed.

She was put on the donor list and was overjoyed to be told in May 2011 a suitable kidney was ready for her. She was taken in for an operation at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital on May 10 and underwent a four-hour operation the next day.

Mandy took ill again earlier this year.

But despite a brave battle, she passed away on Saturday.

Messages of love kept pouring in from Mail followers.

Lorraine Harrington said: “You were loved more than you'll ever know.. so sad. Love you mandy.. night night god bless.. xxxxxxx.”

Lisa Trowsdale said described Mandy as “Hartlepools hero warrior.”

Lynne Ferry: “Sweet dreams Mandy.”

Liz Knight: “She was an inspiration.”

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