by Joe Walker
joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

HUNDREDS of people gathered on Friday to celebrate the life of tragic dad Mick Hammond.
Barham Crematorium was packed to the rafters with family and friends of the popular 40-year-old, who collapsed and died at his home in Canterbury Road, Herne Bay on March 20.
Dozens joined a procession through the town before the send-off, with Mick’s family hiring two coaches to ferry friends to the venue.
Mick’s daughter Summer, 13, sister Sam and friend Danny Barnes read touching tributes to the dad-of-two, while others left a hamper of sweets for the Haribo-loving construction manager.
In tribute to his party lifestyle, songs at the funeral included the upbeat Ebenezer Goode by The Shamen, Coldplay’s Yellow, Unfinished Symphony by Verve and Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here.
About 400 people then made their way back to the Rodney’s pub in North Street for the wake.
Mick’s mum Pat, 66, said: “I’m just so grateful to his friends for making it such an experience. They were all singing along to the songs in tears. It was just so wonderful.
“That was my son and I loved him. To know so many others did as well was just so amazing. I was so proud.
“It was a sad day, but beautiful at the same time. I can’t thank his friends enough.”

See this week's Herne Bay Gazette for full report and pictures.