Celebrity PA for Carol Vorderman, Noel Edmonds and Timmy Mallett dies in horse riding tragedy
A SHOWBIZ PA who helped manage the careers of celebrities including Carol Vorderman and Noel Edmonds died in a tragic horse riding accident.
Mandy Berry, 58, had joined an organised ride on her beloved horse Crumlin across the countryside, but left the group towards the end of the ride.
She rode ahead on her own, but not long after other riders were horrified to find her lying on the ground in Stow-on-the Wold, Glos.
She died shortly afterwards at the scene.
Mandy worked for celebrity agent John Miles for 42 years, and was described in Carol Vorderman's memoirs as "his ace PA."
She helped launch the career of Timmy Mallett with his hit Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, in 1990.
The TV presenter paid tribute to Mandy and wrote on Twitter: "Numb heartbroken
"Dearest Mandy Berry @ John Miles Org special friend agent inspiration #RIP
"Thank you for being in our lives".
John Miles described how he first met Mandy when she was a "smiling and happy" teenager, and went on to become one of his best friends.
He said: "Mandy joined me when she was just 17 and worked for me for 42 years.
"She wasn't just my PA, she was one of my best friends. She watched my children grow up and was always smiling and happy.
"In the 42 years we worked together we never had a cross word.
"All the people in the businesses, including those she helped me manage, such as Carol Vorderman, Keith Floyd, Des'O'Connor and Noel Edmonds, loved her.
"All those she worked with from artists to producers have been ringing the office saying how devastated they are at the news.
"She was such a lovely person.
"When I advertised for a PA 42 years ago I was inundated with applicants.
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"But when Mandy, at the age of 17 walked through the door, she was smiling and happy and I thought immediately she'd be perfect for the job."
He added: "Mandy was my PA for 42 magical years and we will all miss her immensely.
"It was always exciting. There was always something to celebrate, whether it was record hits or whatever."
Mandy lived alone in Clapton-in-Gordano, North Somerset, and was involved in the equestrian community.
She died on October 8 but it is now yet known how she came off her horse.