Family, friends and colleagues flocked to say a last goodbye to popular young nurse Tessa Evans, who died after being struck by a taxi last weekend.

Tessa, 24, of Headington, known to friends and family as Tess, worked at the accident and emergency unit of Oxford's John Radcliffe hospital. She was hit by a taxi after a night out with friends.

So many people attended Tess's funeral at Oxford Crematorium that mourners were standing in the aisle and attendants had difficulty closing the doors.

The Rev Philip Sutton said began the service by saying Tess would be remembered as a bright and very beautiful person. and the assembled friends sang 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. As he opened, Mr Sutton said: "We are left bewildered by Tess's sudden and untimely death." He passed on thanks to all Tess's friends for their support from her mother, Margaret.

The Rev Nick Fennemore then spoke, sayinggave two readings, one encouraging those present to celebrate Tess's life, and the other from St Paul's letter to the Romans. He read: "I am convinced that there is nothing in death or life, in the realm of spirits or superhuman powers, in the world as it is or the world as it shall be, in the forces of the universe, in the heights or depths - nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

He then spoke, saying life was like a tapestry, from this side of the grave it looked messy, and difficult to understand. He said it was only from the other side that it made sense.

Mr Fennemore said he had spoken to many of

Tess was described as 'bouncy and bubbly', 'a wonderful nurse', and 'a true and genuine friend'.

He added she would have been surprised by the effect her death had on those around her. He said that Tess had been someone who had lived life to the full and that she 'enjoyed a jar or two', to laughs from those gathered to remember her.

As Tess's coffin disappeared from view, there were audible sobs from friends seated and standing.

After the final hymn, mourners were asked to leave the service with a smile, listening to the music requested by Tess's mother - the Guinness theme tune.

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