A PARISH church was packed as the short but full life of young mum Vicky Wakefield-Heath was remembered at her funeral.
St Mary's in Vicky's home village of Woodchester was full for the thanksgiving for the life of the 26-year-old, who left a baby son Spencer, six months.
Around 200 mourners, young and old, joined Vicky's family to pay respects to her many achievements during a modern service.
Vicky, who died from cancer, was a committed Christian and the worship was also to celebrate her faith, vicar the Rev David Stoddart said.
A poignant, silent slide show of photographs of Vicky over the years greeted the congregation as they took their seats.
Bereaved friends then heard "helping others was one of Vicky's passions".
Mr Stoddart said Vicky, who grew up in the parish, belonged to the junior church, went to Woodchester CofE Primary School and later Thomas Keble and Stroud High schools and Gloucestershire University, where she gained a teaching degree.
A "bit of a globe trotter", Vicky visited many European countries and, at 17, travelled to New Zealand to see relatives.
Mr Stoddart reminded mourners it was six weeks after Spencer's birth last October that Vicky received the devastating news that she had aggressive bowl cancer. A debilitating programme of chemotherapy followed.
"Those of us who visited her during this time can testify to the peace her Christian faith gave her and also to the love and care her mother Angela gave her," he said.
The tragedy of Vicky's death should not overshadow the many things she did and the love she gave to others, said the vicar.
Vicky's coffin, which was decorated with her favourite blooms sunflowers, left for her cremation to the music of Coldplay.
