Francesca Sanna

THE father of a teenage girl who died suddenly last weekend broke down in tears as he spoke of the family’s devastation.

Restaurant-owner Franco Sanna said his family is numb with the shock of losing their “beautiful, loving” daughter Francesca, affectionately known as Mim.

And he spoke of the desperate attempts to revive Francesca as she lay lifeless in the hallway of the family home.

Mystery still surrounds her death. Initially it was thought Francesca had suffered a severe allergic reaction.

But a post mortem examination on Tuesday proved inconclusive and further tests are to be carried out to determine the cause of her death.

Francesca suffered from asthma and severe allergies.

But her heartbroken mum Kim said she doesn’t believe a food allergy is to blame. She thought her daughter could have had a reaction to any number of things including make-up or perfume.

The pretty 19-year-old, of Broadfield, Oswaldtwistle, was in a car with friends heading for a night out when she suddenly lurched forward and turned white.

She was rushed back home and collapsed in the hallway of her home, where she lived with her parents.

A nurse, who happened to be nearby, attempted to resuscitate Francesca, who worked as an accounts assistant at Blackburn Chemicals, Whitebirk.

Her parents had been called home urgently from the family’s Italian restaurant, Franco’s in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Mrs Sanna told the Observer: “Almost from birth she had suffered with allergies. But on this occasion she didn’t have the usual warning signs. She would often get a reaction which would tell us she needed to get to hospital quickly. This time we had no warning.

“She has always known what she could and couldn’t eat, she knew everything about food and would even learn foreign words for things like milk and eggs when she went abroad.”

Mr Sanna, 59, a former president of Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club, said when they arrived home and saw Francesca they knew it was serious.

He added: “We had never seen her like that before, I knew that this was a difficult one. When she was put inside the ambulance we knew she had died.

“I am just numb. Francesca was a kind, lovely, beautiful person who respected everybody. She was so special, I loved her so much and we know how much she loved us. I will miss her.”

Members of Mr Sanna’s family have flown from Italy to attend the funeral and Mrs Sanna said their son Domenico, 22, had been a tower of strength.

She added: “We are in disbelief, total shock and devastation. We are all numb and empty.

“We know how much courage it has taken for people to come and knock at our door and we would like to thank everyone for their help and support.”

Francesca’s new car is still parked in the driveway and several bouquets have been placed beneath it.

Domenico, who works in the learning resource centre at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, said: “Francesca was an absolutely fantastic sister and auntie to my five-year-old son Aidan. I am just so glad that I had the opportunity to spend time with her. I loved her to bits and I will miss her.”

Francesca’s former headteacher at Rhyddings, Barry Burke, said staff and pupils are devastated by the news.

He said: “Francesca came to this school a very timid young girl and developed into a bubbly, confident and vibrant young lady.

“To think that she has been snatched away from us is really tragic and knowing the impact it will have on the family is devastating.”

Francesca’s funeral will be held on Monday (15 October) at Accrington Crematorium at 1.40pm.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a gathering at Franco’s restaurant following the service.