Supporters will salute superfan Louise

Popular mum died suddenly

A mum will be hailed with a minute’s applause after she lost a shock battle with illness.

Louise Swankie, 38, died suddenly after taking ill.

The St Mirren superfan’s life will be celebrated by supporters in her club’s clash against Sunderland on July 21.

Pal Mick Bolland, 49, led calls for a tribute during the pre-season friendly fixture.

He said: “I got to know Louise through her work at the school.

“She was absolutely fantastic with the kids and they all just adored her.

“Louise was a fantastic girl and was always up for a laugh.

“She was great in the classroom, but did a lot to inspire them outside it too.

“She played football herself and wasn’t half bad. “Louise was a dyed in the wool Saints fan. “It would be a fantastic tribute to a great woman for the fans to join in applause for her.”

Louise worked as a classroom assistant in schools across Renfrewshire.

She had been working at Erskine’s Bargarran Primary when she fell ill.

The football fan lost her fight, despite doctors’ best efforts to save her. Children were left devastated when the news of her passing was revealed.

Renfrewshire Council hailed the muchloved classroom assistant and backed plans for a mid-game tribute.

A spokesman said: “We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to all of Mrs Swankie’s family and friends.

“She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, including her friends, colleagues and the pupils from Bargarran Primary School, who were deeply saddened to hear of her death.

“She had been a valued member of staff there since joining in August 2011 from Glencoats Primary School.

“Mrs Swankie contributed to the school in many ways, not least when her passion for football led her to coach the school team.”

St Mirren fans are being urged to stand and applaud on the 38th minute to pay tribute to Louise.

Club bosses penned a letter and insisted she is in their thoughts and will be remembered with other lost fans in a special tribute.

It stated: “We would like to pass on our sincerest condolences to Louise’s family and friends.

“We mark the passing of any supporters during the season by reading out their names at the last game.

“Our thoughts are with Louise’s family, friends, teachers and the children at her school.”

It would be a fantastic tribute to a great woman for the fans to join in applause for her Mick Boland