Tributes to mum-of-three 'pocket rocket' Sam, 33

Family and friends have paid tribute to a well-loved Bury St Edmunds mum-of-three who has died following a brave fight with cancer.

Sam Petrie, 33, was told on December 27 she could have just weeks to live after the cervical cancer she was treated for in October 2016 spread.

The diagnosis galvanised the community of the Howard estate, with her friends forming ‘Sam’s Army’ to raise funds to pay for alternative treatments in an attempt to save Sam’s life.

However, Sam succumbed to the disease last Sunday, at home with her family.

Her husband Kevin said: “She wanted to be pain-free in her own bed at home, so she got what she wanted.

“Sam was the keystone of the whole family. She might have been very small, but she was very fiery, especially if she was looking after someone. That’s why she was so well loved – everyone loved her for the person she was.”

Kevin also spoke of Sam’s love for her children Dylan, 15, Bailey, 12, and Maisie, eight: “She was an amazing mum. The kids came first, she did everything for them.”

On Saturday, the final Sam’s Army fund-raising event – a football day at Bury Town FC – was held.

Holly-Jay Lewin, of Sam’s Army, said: “This day is all about Sam. We were all unsure whether we should go ahead with the football, but Sam really wanted us to do it. She said she would be here if she could.”

Claire Suckley, also of Sam’s Army, said: “On the Friday before she died Sam said she wanted it to go ahead. The odds were against her from the beginning, but she overcame so much.

“Sam could light up the room with her smile. Her smile was bigger than her and we called her the pocket rocket. Her character – everything about it was huge even though she was small.”

Holly added: “Sam was my rock and she had the most amazing heart of gold.”

On Saturday, Sam’s son Bailey played in the youth charity match and her daughter Maisie handed out the trophies. The event raised more than £600, to be donated to CBD Brothers, of Elmswell, which helped Sam in the days and weeks after her diagnosis. The remaining Sam’s Army funds – about £19,000 – will be split between her children.

• Sam’s funeral is on May 25 at West Suffolk Crematorium, at noon, followed by a wake at Moreton Hall Community Centre. Casual dress.

All who knew Sam are welcome.