LOVED ones are set to say a heartfelt ‘goodbye’ to a popular woman who has died aged 57.

Linda Spruce worked as an ambulance technician for 30 years before retiring in 2013, having been presented with a long-service award from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

It is understood that Linda, of Newbold Street, Elton, suffered a stroke at around 1pm on November 21 and was taken to Fairfield Hospital and sadly died two days later.

She leaves daughters Emma, aged 23, and Lucy, aged 21.

Linda’s funeral is due to take place at Radcliffe Crematorium at 3.30pm on Monday, November 30, and a wake will take place at Radcliffe Borough Football Club afterwards.

As per Linda’s wishes, mourners are asked to wear black clothing with a splash of colour.

Her family have requested that people make donations to the Stroke Association in lieu of flowers.

NWAS staff will form a guard of honour during the service.

Linda’s roots were in Radcliffe and Bury as her parents lived in those areas and, when working for NWAS, she was based at Ramsbottom Ambulance Station in Cemetery Road for many years.

Her close friend Alison McAleavey, said: “Linda is well known in local hospitals and is very popular in Bury.

“After retiring, she worked as a dental nurse and she was a very happy and caring person who will be missed by many.”

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "NWAS is saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of one of our former colleagues Linda Spruce.

“Linda worked as an emergency medical technician in Greater Manchester attending hundreds of emergencies across Bury, Whitefield and Ramsbottom for 33 years before retiring in 2013.

"The whole of NWAS send our sincere condolences to all of Linda’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them all at this very sad time."

Funeral enquiries can be made to Silletts Funeral Service on 0161 723 2383.