Family of aunt, 34, killed in Middlesbrough house fire with her niece, 7, pay tribute to 'beautiful, kind soul' who married just nine months ago - as man, 23, to appear in court over their 'murder'

A 34-year-old woman who died in a fatal house fire alongside her seven-year-old niece had married just nine months earlier and is survived by a daughter. Natalie McDonald and Valentina Foster died when a home in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, went up in flames during the early hours of August 26. Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with two counts of murder and appeared for the first time before a Crown Court judge on Thursday. Ms McDonald had a 'beautiful wedding' less than a year before she died, her family said in a statement shared by Cleveland Police on Thursday. They said: 'Natalie Louise was known by everyone as Natalie Louise Kirton, she is Natalie Louise McDonald having married Anthony McDonald only nine months ago. 'She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was. She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community, loved by all.'Her family has lost its beautiful, kind soul. She was the life and soul of every party, and she will be sadly missed by our family, her two brothers and sister, all who are broken. Her nieces and nephews, with her being such a big part of their lives, being like a second mother to them. Her nana, grandad, mam and dad are all heartbroken.'Also, her only daughter, who will forever miss her mam. Natalie McDonald (pictured) had a 'beautiful wedding' less than a year before she died, her family said in a statement shared by Cleveland Police on Thursday Natalie McDonald and Valentina Foster (pictured) died when a home in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, went up in flames during the early hours of August 26 Jaden Wright, 23, has been charged with two counts of murder and appeared for the first time before a Crown Court judge today (a court sketch is pictured)'Our Nat will be forever missed.' Wright, of no fixed address, did not enter pleas at a hearing at Teesside Crown Court today, where he faced charges of two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.He was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing on September 23 when he is expected to enter pleas over the fatal fire. Richard Wright KC, prosecuting, said a trial was expected to last three weeks with Judge Jonathan Carroll setting a trial start date of April 14.Earlier this week, Valentina's family said: 'It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away.'She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.'Our lives have changed forever, and we are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss.'Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and her memory will live with us forever. Forever missed by her brothers and sisters.' Police are seen at the scene of the fatal house fire on August 26 Local residents attended a balloon release on Monday to give Valentina 'the best send off' Pink smoke is also let into the air while spectators watch onFour other people, including two teenage girls, were also injured in the blaze. A 27-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fire. Cleveland Police initially said it was keeping an 'open mind' on whether the fatal blaze was linked to wider gang violence on Teesside, following a fatal collision on the A66 which killed seven people, including two police officers.On Friday, police confirmed the fire was not believed to be connected to the disorder, which saw a number of homes ram-raided in a suspected tit-for-tat turf war.A 31-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the fatal fire was released without charge on Sunday.Valentina's family and locals released dozens of balloons in her favourite colours to give the little girl 'the best send off' on Monday night.Footage shows scores of pink and purple heart-shaped balloons being let off together on a residential street in Southbank.Ahead of the event, a family member said: 'Please everybody who can make it be there - as many people as possible give our baby girl the best send off she deserves.'Her favourite colours were lilac and pink so pink balloons if possible.'Let's give her the best send off.'Lisa Kirton, Natalie's mother, paid tribute to her 'lovely, bright and bubbly' daughter, describing how 'everybody loved her'.She said Valentina, known as Tina, had been spending the summer with the family.'She was a cute little kid,' Ms Kirton told the BBC, adding: 'I can't believe it, seven years old - it's just a disgrace.'