A FATHER has spoken of his devastation after his wife and baby both died within eight days of each other.

Rob Bailey was still reeling from the death of his daughter Florence when his 34-year-old wife Sam lost her life.

Sam, a New Forest farmer and estate agent, was heavily pregnant when she suffered an epileptic fit and a bleed on the brain.

Florence was delivered by emergency caesarian due to her mother's illness, but did not survive. Sam died eight days later.

More than 250 mourners attended a double funeral at Hordle Church.

Sam, who lived in Lymington, worked at Spencers estate agency in Brookley Road, Brockenhurst. She was also a member of the New Forest Show cattle committee.

Sam met the Queen when she visited the show in 2012 as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour of the nation.

Four years later, Sam was introduced to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who was touring the showground at New Park, Brockenhurst, in her capacity as president of the show.

Sam and Rob, who met through their involvement with the event, were married less than two years ago.

Rob said: “Sam was a happy-go-lucky, larger than life kind of person who was always doing something and always put 110 per cent into everything she did.

“Sam was so generous and giving of her time, so much fun, so determined, so spontaneous.

“We are raising money for the Princess Anne Bereavement Fund. Something good has to come from all of this.”

Rob Batten, a director at Spencers, said Sam's friends are "completely devastated".

“Sam was well known for her brilliant sense of humour - she was always smiling and kept everyone’s spirits up," he said.

“We are completely devastated and will miss Sam hugely - especially her smile.

"Our thoughts are very much with her family. It really is so tragic.”

Chris Whitlock, chairman of the New Forest Show, also paid tribute.

He said: “Sam became a member of the cattle committee in 2010 and was following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John Smith.

“She was elected chairman of the section in 2012, only standing down in 2017 to pursue a showing career involving Charolais cattle and Texel sheep.

“Her passion and commitment to showing cattle was integral to attracting the National Dexter Society to hold their annual show at our event in 2015.

“Her enchanting personality and lust for life was infectious and Sam made an impression on everyone she met.”

Sam’s grandmother Daphne said: “She loved animals and had an incredible affinity with them.

"They would back away from other people but when they saw Sam they would come straight up to her.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Princess Anne Bereavement Fund should contact Tappers Funeral Services at New Milton.