It's a nightmare that we are waiting to wake up from

FAMILY'S TRIBUTE TO MUM-OF-TWO WHO DIED SUDDENLY ON HOLIDAY

- JAMES HOLT

THE heartbroken family of a former Olympic swimmer who died suddenly while on holiday have paid tribute to her.

Helen Smart passed away after going to bed on a family trip to the Lake District - a place that she loved to visit and 'felt like home!

The mum-of-two's loved ones have shared their heartache after her sudden death, describing her as an 'adored' and 'much-loved' sister, mother, wife and daughter who was 'always smiling' and 'lit up every room'.

Helen, from Wigan, was only 42 when she passed away as the family were enjoying a weekend break away near Lake Coniston in Cumbria to celebrate her brother Rob's 40th birthday. She was there with her parents, husband Craig, two children, her parents and other extended family.

She had enjoyed paddleboarding in the lake on the evening they arrived, August 11, and was excited about going ghyll scrambling with family the next day, before the tragedy.

Trips to the Lake District were something Helen cherished, it was a place that Nicola Hill, whose sister is married to Helen's brother Rob, said 'always made her happy' and 'felt like home' to her.