Pregnant mum-of-four dies just days before Christmas: "Our hearts are broken"

A 36-year-old mother, who was pregnant with her fifth child, tragically passed away just days before Christmas, leaving her family and friends devastated.

Emily Mitchell, who ran The Hidden Way, was having breakfast on December 22, when she "suddenly became unresponsive," according to a fundraising page set up by the family.

Although her husband Joseph did his best to help until paramedics arrived, the mum-of-four and her unborn baby sadly died.

"Our hearts are broken and her joyful presence will be greatly missed by so many," the description read. "Em made a big impact in so many people's lives, and this loss is incomprehensible for anyone who knew her."

Mitchell's cause of death has not been publicly revealed, with an update saying doctors are still "working on answers for her family."

Just weeks before she passed away, Mitchell, who shared three daughters and a son with her husband, shared photo of her family, revealing that it will be the fifth time she'll give birth by cesarean.

"However your baby gets here, just know YOUR EXPERIENCE is valid and worthy," she wrote. "YOU are no less a mother if you needed emergency medical intervention, had a planned c-section, or an epidural.

"You aren't a 'better' mother if you had a home birth or an unmedicated vaginal birth," she added.

An obituary for Mitchell described her as a "devoted wife and incredible mother to her four children" who was "beautiful inside and out."

"Emily had an infectious smile and a kind, compassionate spirit," it read.

"Her exuberant personality radiated outwardly in her interactions and relationships with all who knew her," it continued.

"Emily was a symbol of strength during the most challenging of times for so many."