Southend tribute to 'incredible' mum who died aged just 27

Sky Bampton died last Tuesday surrounded by loved ones, just three weeks after marrying the “love of her life”, Paolo.

A fundraiser originally launched to help Sky access private healthcare has now been repurposed to support her family, cover funeral costs and help to provide for her children, Elvana, seven, and Albie, three.

One of Sky’s closest friends, Codey Gill, said her greatest pride and joy was being a mother.

“More than anything, Sky was a mum,” she said.

“Her two beautiful children, Elvana and Albie, were her entire world. They were her reason to keep fighting, her motivation on the hardest days and the greatest source of love and happiness in her life.

Mum - Sky was a devoted mother to Albie and Elvana (Image: Sky Bampton/Codey Gill)

“Sky wanted nothing more than to be here to watch her children grow, make memories with them and see the people they would become.

“She was an incredible mum who would have given absolutely anything for them.”

Battle - Sky was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 (Image: Sky Bampton/Codey Gill)

Memories - Sky with her brother Rhys and dad Jason on her wedding day (Image: Sky Bampton/Codey Gill)

Sky was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and, according to her friend, showed “extraordinary courage and determination” throughout her illness.

In one of the final milestones of her life, she married Paolo on July 24 in what friends described as a day filled with love and happiness.

Codey said: “Just weeks before her passing, Sky was given a beautiful moment to treasure forever. On July 24, 2026, she married the love of her life, Paolo. It was a beautiful day that her family will cherish forever.”

She added that Sky’s legacy would live on through the many people whose lives she touched.

Friends - Sky's friends said her presence brightened their lives (Image: Sky Bampton/Codey Gill)

“Sky’s story is not simply one of cancer. It is a story of love, family, friendship and extraordinary courage,” she said.

“She leaves behind her family and countless friends whose lives were made brighter simply because Sky was in them.”

Paying a final tribute, Codey said: “Sky may no longer be with us, but the love she gave and the memories she created will live on forever, especially through her two beautiful children.

“Rest peacefully, Sky. You fought so hard, you were so deeply loved, and you always will be.”

Donations can be made via the fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/battlebeyondtheboob