A former regional press journalist who moved to work for a newspaper in Spain has died of a mystery illness at the age of 38.

Louise Clarke worked at the Cheadle District Advertiser and the Stockport Citizen before moving to Costa Blanca with her husband and two children a number of years ago.

In Spain, she worked as a reporter for English language newspaper Round Town News and also spent a year as a council press officer before returning to journalism.

Louise collapsed unexpectedly last month and spent a number of weeks in intensive care battling a mystery illness before she died.

Stockport Mail editor Mike Sheils, who previously worked with Louise, said: “Louise was a vibrant and happy woman who was a brilliant journalist. This is a massive shock to all who knew and worked with her. She will be sadly missed.”

It is thought she worked at the Cheadle District Advertiser for around a year and the Stockport Citizen for about three years, before moving to Spain.

A piece about her death in another English language paper, The Leader, said: “There is no doubt that tragedy brings people together, makes us wonder what might be and makes us value what we have, and such a tragedy hit the friends and family of local journalist Louise Clarke this weekend, when the news broke that she had lost her battle with an illness she had been fighting for only a few weeks.

“Originally from Manchester, Louise was a prominent figure in the world of journalism on the Costa Blanca, taking up the plight and the fight of many a case that she faced with passion and compassion that showed how much she cared.

“Taking a break for a year, Louise worked at the Orihuela Costa town hall, where she continued to be a centre of assistance for many who came through her door.

“Having returned to journalism, her bite was still there, with teeth ready to grasp any wrong doing that she could fight, but those teeth also carried a smile that both warmed and warned with equal measure.”

The article, by journalist Mark Nolan, added: “It is true that the world has lost a great journalist, reporter and fighter, but it is truer that a family has lost a great mum and wife, and many, many people have lost a great friend.

“Louise will be deeply missed by those who she touched, those who she met and those who she helped in what is now a very short life, so tragically brought to an end.”

Before her death, the Round Town News organised a charity night to raise money for Louise’s family, as her husband was unable to work while she was in hospital, and the event is still taking place this week.

Louise leaves husband Lee and children Lilly and Charlie.