Tears and tributes after young mum and talented florist dies on hillwalk Friends’ disbelief as healthy Emma suffers massive heart attack
A HEALTHY young mum died from a massive heart attack while hillwalking. Emma McDonald, of Peebles, was out hiking with pals on Monday when she suddenly collapsed. The 29-year-old talented florist leaves behind two children – Shyla, nine, and Cody, five – and her husband Chris. A heartbroken friend said: “It is just so tragic, she was so popular and friendly. “She did paddle boarding, walking, mountain climbing, hillwalking. She was so young, active and healthy… it doesn’t make sense.” Another pal said: “I’m heartbroken to lose my flowery friend who was such a talent and an inspiration. “She was a very special lady, an amazing florist, sparky, no nonsense with a heart as big as the ocean.”
Despite leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, Emma became an awardwinning florist and was a Sunday Mail Young Scot nominee in 2015.
In a online tribute, The Florist magazine posted: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Emma McDonald, owner of Stems in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, has died suddenly at the age of 29 as a result of a massive cardiac arrest while hiking with friends.
“A member of Good Florist Guide since 2016, Emma was considered one of the brightest stars in the industry and her resolve and sense of purpose saw her not only build an award-winning business and expand into new directions but be a proud mother of two gorgeous children, Shyla and Cody, and wife to Chris.
“Her bridal work was exquisite. Indeed, all her work was fabulous but she wasn’t just adored by her clients but by florists throughout the UK.
“Her determination and motivation to look at every idea and possibility was admired by all who met her, while her willingness to help and support her friends will be sorely missed.”
In her final social media post just days ago, Emma said she was happy to be able to get back to arranging wedding flowers.
She ended her message: “If Covid has taught me anything, it’s to appreciate the simple things in life and enjoy the things we have around us.”
Emma was one of the brightest stars in the industry
THE FLORIST MAGAZINE IN ONLINE TRIBUTE