A KENT family has been left devastated by the death of young mother.

Twenty-two-year-old Julie Tillett collapsed and died after cooking dinner at the family home in Imperial Avenue, Minster, near Sheerness. The family has received more than 100 condolence cards.

The funeral will be held at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, at noon on Monday, August 8, followed by a gathering at Layzell’s Tavern in Broadway, Minster.

Julie had complained of chest, back and jaw pain and said she felt as though she was “coming down with the flu” before she collapsed due to a tear in her aorta.

She has been described as a lovable, family orientated person, who loved looking after children, swimming, cooking and playing cards.

Julie was engaged to her childhood sweetheart, 22-year-old Gareth Gammon. They had been together for seven years and have two daughters Jasmine, two, and seven-week-old Lillie May.

Julie’s mother Tina and Gareth’s mother Donna will look after the girls when Gareth returns to work for the family double glazing business, All Seasons Windows.

Tina, 45, said: “Everyone loved her so much. She was very caring, but was very straightforward as well. She would say it how it was.”

Julie, who was a pupil at Minster Primary School, Danley Middle School and Minster College, joined Peacocks in Sittingbourne, before being promoted to supervisor and switching to the Sheerness branch.

She left the position to become a full-time mother and also cared for her grandad, Bill Tillett, who died in February.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S SHEERNESS TIMES GUARDIAN