Tributes have been paid to a "devoted mother" who "always had a smile on her face" after she died unexpectedly aged 27. 

Sammy Broad, who grew up in Bricket Wood, passed away just three weeks after marrying husband Mitchell, from Garston, and also leaves behind children Skye, three, and Jimmy, two.

Her nephew by marriage, Chris Broad, told the Watford Observer: "Sammy was a devoted mother to her children, her children were her world.

Watford Observer: Sammy died just three weeks after celebrating her marriage.Sammy died just three weeks after celebrating her marriage. (Image: Chris Broad)

"She was a person that didn't ask for much or expect much, but she always had a smile on her face and loved time with her friends.

"She was loved by everyone for that reason."

He continued: "The fact that the children are going to grow up without her is just devastating. 

"It's tragic and devastating for everyone."

A fundraising page has been set up to give the family time to grieve, contribute towards Sammy's funeral and pay for childcare once Mitchell returns to work.

Chris said: "They're (the funds) going to be going towards the funeral, because he's (Mitchell) still paying off the wedding that he had four weeks ago.

"He's self-employed and he works over at the studios in Leavesden. 

Watford Observer: Sammy had two children, Skye and Jimmy.Sammy had two children, Skye and Jimmy. (Image: Chris Broad)

"Initially, the idea came about for the GoFundMe because he said that he's going to have to move out of his flat.

"So I suggested that we should start a GoFundMe page just to help him get by, pay the bills, have time to grieve for Sammy, and go towards the funeral.

"It's just to help him adjust, because his life has been turned upside down unexpectedly."

Watford Observer: Chris spoke of the 'overwhelming support' that the fundraiser has received.Chris spoke of the 'overwhelming support' that the fundraiser has received. (Image: Chris Broad)

The page has now reached £23,005, and Chris spoke of his astonishment at the reaction from the community.

"We've had overwhelming support so far from friends, family and friends of friends," he said.

"We only initially set a target of £5,000, just to help towards the funeral and pay a month's rent.

"It's just overwhelming with the support, we weren't expecting it to go so well.

"He's just so grateful, along with all of us in the family."

The GoFundMe page in memory of Sammy Broad can be found here: www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sammy-broad-harding.