THE family of the woman who died following the fire at a house in Manchester Road have paid tribute to her.

Sharon Soares-Alvares, 30, leaves her family, including her 33-year-old husband Blaise, who remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition, as does her 16-month-old daughter Brooke.

Her mother, Jeanette Rodrigues Soares, said: "Our loving daughter and sister Sharon Alvares passed away peacefully into the abode of our heavenly Father after the fire incident in Swindon.

"It was God’s will that she leave the world at this young age.

"To all who knew her, she was a loving, kind-hearted and ever smiling person.

"We thank the Lord for her life and the beautiful time he gave us with her.

"We would request you to say a prayer for her so that the good Lord may grant her soul eternal rest.

"Please do continue to pray for the speedy recovery of Baby Brooke and Blaise."

Mrs Soares-Alvares was with her husband and daughter when the fire broke out just before midnight on Sunday, November 6. She died on Wednesday, November 9, in hospital.

She was a former student of the Indian School Bahrain and her mother is believed to live in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.

Mrs Soares-Alvares worked as an administrator at MTC Learning, part of New College Swindon, in Manchester Road, and had been employed there since August 2014.

A spokesman said: "New College Swindon is extremely saddened to confirm that Sharon Soares, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a recent house fire in Swindon, was one of our employees.

"Staff, especially those who worked closely with her, were very shocked and upset to hear of her death."

And Maureen Debbage, director of HR at New College said: “This is an absolute tragedy and our hearts go out to Sharon’s family who will be completely devastated by this. 

"Sharon was a hard-working, positive and well-liked colleague and friend of staff at MTC.  She had only returned from maternity leave within the last year and the fact that she was a mother, was so young and had everything to live for, makes this terrible event all the more difficult to comprehend and accept. 

"We send our best to Sharon’s family and hope that all other members involved make a good recovery.”

The third person seriously injured in the fire, a 21-year-old woman, has been released from hospital.