Hundreds gathered at St Alphege Church in Whitstable on Friday for the funeral of 29-year-old Kim Sampson.

Friends, family and colleagues turned out to honour the “bright, bubbly and kind” former Archbishop’s pupil, just doors away from Len’s Barbers, where she worked for 10 years.

The mum-of-two died on May 22, just 19 days after giving birth.

She suffered complications after son Albie was delivered by emergency caesarean at Margate’s QEQM Hospital on May 3.

She leaves behind her partner Luke Ilott, Albie and their three-year-old daughter Jasmine – as well as her parents Yvette and Louis, and brothers Daniel and Elliot.

“Kim was very, very popular with people, through her beautiful personality and sense of fun,” said her parents, in a touching tribute read by Rev Rachel Webbley.

From the age of 19 Kim, of Newton Road in Whitstable, worked as a barber while spending her summers in Cyprus. Always searching for fun and adventure, she jumped out of a plane and off Las Vegas’ s tallest building, the Stratosphere Hotel.

“But nothing ever compared or mattered so much to Kim as her love for her immediate family, and partner Luke,” said her parents.

“Kim, we’re so proud of you. Our lives will never be the same without you.

“Not only have we lost our beautiful baby girl, we’ve lost our very best friend.

“We will cherish our two beautiful grandchildren, and we will help to bring them up in your light, and we will always tell them how much you love them. Goodbye and goodnight, our beautiful Kim.”

A heartfelt tribute from Kim’s partner Luke was also read.

“I feel so sorry for the kids – and that Kim won’t get to see how big Albie’s getting, or how Jasmine seems to be so grown up,” he said.

“The woman I was going to spend the rest of my life with has gone from my side.

“You were amazing, caring, thoughtful, loving. Your children will grow up to know how special you are, and I’m sure you’re looking down on Jasmine and Albie as a very proud mother.

“Rest in peace, Kimbo. I love you now and always.”

Amazing Grace and Bruno Mars’s Just the Way You Are were among songs selected for the emotional service.

A Justgiving page raising money for Jasmine and Albie has already received almost £4,000 in donations. To donate, visit bit.ly/2KKzjzs.