A YOUNG mother died just two days after being taken ill.

Sian Snelling, 30, was described as an "inspiration and full of life" by her partner Darren Burrows, despite suffering from diabetes since the age of four.

But recently, when she was routinely taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital after feeling sick, she died two days later suffering from a blood clot in the brain.

She leaves behind Darren, her partner of nine years, their eight-year-old son Stephen, parents Maurice and Winnie Snelling and three sisters and a brother.

"I don't think any of us realised just how ill she was," said 33-year-old Darren, from Jenkins Street, Newport.

"In the past few years, as her diabetes got worse, she would often be in and out of hospital but she had such a passion for life, she would always bounce back.

"A week before she died, we both took Stephen to Longleat Safari Park and she seemed fine.

"That was the last time I saw her and I regret that, but it is a very happy memory."

He revealed how their young son was dealing with the bereavement of his mother.

"Stephen's been very brave, braver than me in fact," said Darren.

"He has his moments, like we all do but I'm very proud of the way he's handled things."

Sian started to suffer the worst affects of diabetes four years ago and would occasionally be sick and drowsy, while also starting to lose her sight.

Increasingly in need of care, she decided to move back in with her parents at their home in Jellico Close, Ringland.

Her father Maurice, 73, recalled how his daughter, who worked at Kwik Save and played pool for the Salisbury pub, was very outgoing and sociable.

"If she was in the middle of a desert she'd still find someone to talk to," he said.

"When she became sick she would often go to hospital only to come out again and go shopping."

Mr Snelling was full of praise for her local GP and staff at Royal Gwent and The Heath.

"I can't thank them enough," he added.

Donations in memory of Sian are still being collected at Kwik Save, Ringland.

There was also a collection at Ringland Presbyterian Church where her funeral was held.

All donations received will forwarded to the Kidney Research Fund and Diabetes UK.