Friends and family of a former Kent schoolgirl killed in a suspected murder-suicide have gathered for a celebration of her life.

Maddie Durdant-Hollamby, 22, was tragically found dead in Northamptonshire last month having suffered stab wounds to the chest.

Maddie's loved ones have gathered to celebrate her life (Video: @harlikirby/TikTok)

Loved ones left devastated by her sudden death have now held a moving event in tribute to the "kind, caring, thoughtful" former pupil of Faversham's The Abbey School.

A celebration of Maddie's life was held at a crematorium in Cambridgeshire last Wednesday followed by an evening party at Chippenham Hall near Newmarket.

Ahead of the event her father, Steve Durdant-Hollamby, told on Facebook how his family wishes to remember Maddie "for being the happy, vibrant and positive person that she was".

He invited those attending to forego traditional mourning clothes, and instead "dress to impress, as if attending a party with Maddie".

A touching video shared by Maddie's close friend Harli Kirby, shows the venue lavishly decorated with hundreds of white roses, sparkling tablecloths, and large light-up letters spelling Maddie's name.

Maddie's friends have paid tribute to their 'very own angel' in a moving video shared on TikTok (Video: @harlikirby/TikTok)

Dozens of photographs of the 22-year-old also adorned the space, while guests were invited to write messages to Maddie.

Harli wrote: "Thank you for the moments we shared, the laughs we had, the memories we made and the friendship we held. My best friend then, now and forever. I love you."

Another friend wrote: "I am so honoured to have been a part of your life. I am so proud to call you my best friend! Always in my heart beautiful girl."

Maddie's family have also set up a fundraiser, for anyone who wishes to make a donation in their daughter's memory.

They wrote: "As she had started and was advancing quickly in her career in the construction industry, we would like donations in Maddie’s memory to go to Construction Youth Trust."

More than £31,000 has already been donated to the fund.

Maddie was tragically found dead by police at a property in Slate Drive, in Kettering, shortly after 1pm on August 27, following a report of concern for her welfare.

Benjamin Green, 41, was also found at the same property, which he owned, and it was previously confirmed that the two had been in a relationship.

He died from self-inflicted stab wounds, Northamptonshire Police said.

At an inquest earlier this month, senior coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember, said Maddie died as a result of stab wounds to the chest. The hearing was adjourned until January 13.

Police said her death was being treated as murder and no one else was being sought.

Maddie's family previously told of their heartbreak at the loss of their "beautiful daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece".

They described her as "a beautiful person both inside and out, who loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends".

They said: “Our hearts are broken and we cannot begin to imagine life without her. The shock and pain we are feeling is indescribable.

“Maddie was a kind, caring, thoughtful young woman, who touched the lives of everyone she met.

“A talented dancer, her creative talent continued through school and into her career in marketing. Her life has been sadly cut short just as her career was blossoming."

Maddie is understood to have been a student at Deborah Capon College in Whitstable, before she moved out of Kent.

Her mum Rachel paid a moving tribute to her "beautiful, beautiful" daughter.

She wrote: "22 years of loving this amazing girl will never be enough, we thought we had a lifetime ahead of us.

"Baby girl…You were our world and our lives are not complete without you in it. Heaven is so lucky to have you."

Donate to the fundraiser at here.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham