The family of Emma McArthur, who was murdered in Thatcham on April 1, released a touching tribute to the mum-of-two on Thursday.

They wrote of her loving and caring qualities following the sentencing of Christopher Joseph Minards, 35, to life in prison.

Minards, of no fixed abode, stabbed Ms McArthur, 43, at the junction of Crookham Hill and Burys Bank Road. She died the next day despite medics’ best efforts.

Read more: Life in prison for man who murdered Emma McArthur

A statement by the family read: “No words can express the sadness and feelings we have as a family at the loss of Emma. Emma was a very private person, and would have hated the intrusion into her and her families lives.

“Emma was a very strong-minded independent woman, a problem solver, she liked nothing more than stripping down a mower, Ragworting a field or pickling her home-grown chillies.

“Emma was very caring, helping others when needed.

“Emma had a wonderful smile, a giggly laugh, and smiling eyes that could light up a room. She was able to converse with anyone from different backgrounds and different subjects, She was not aware of how many wonderful qualities she had.

“She was a very loving mother to her two children, often going without herself so they could have extra food or toys on birthdays and Christmas."

Read more: Man, 55, sentenced for racist attack

“There is so much more we could say about her.

“Emma touched so many lives and she leaves us all with good memories that we hope will carry us through the tough times ahead.

“She will always live on in our hearts.”

Minards will serve at minimum 16 years and two months’ in jail for murder and 12 months served concurrently for possession of a bladed item.