Loved ones have paid tribute to “the loveliest person”, Sophia Gartland, with thousands of pounds raised in her memory.

Friends, family and clients have said goodbye to the much-loved hairdresser, after she passed away suddenly on December 20.

Just 33 years old, Sophia was a hugely popular member of the Workington community, and she leaves behind her devastated parents Judith and Leo, sister Alexa and brother-in-law Liam, brother Jordan and sister-in-law Lucy, and her five nieces and nephews, Louis, Bluebelle, Mia, Max and Jake.

The “bubbly, amazing” woman, who worked at her sister’s salon, Alexa Danielle Hairdressing, was devoted to her family, and “loved her nieces and nephews like they were own”.

Zoe Pickering paid tribute to her best friend and colleague on behalf of Sophia’s family, and said: “Sophia was a gorgeous loving soul.

“She loved everything and everyone – even folk that only met her once remembered her for how welcoming and lovely she was.

“She had a heart of gold, and would have done anything for anyone, and always made sure everyone felt special.

“She will be missed so much by everybody – she was so bubbly and brilliant, and her family, friends and clients will all miss her so, so much.

“I was proud to call her my best friend – she was the best.”

Due to Covid-19, a maximum of 30 friends and family members can attend Sophia’s funeral on January 7, and so close friends set up a JustGiving page for all who knew her make a donation to Royal Victoria Infirmary at Newcastle in her memory.

The hospital lies close to the family’s heart, as Sophia’s young nephew, Louis, was treated for leukaemia there.

And her loved ones have been touched and overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and donations.

“People have been amazing, we can’t stop checking the page,” Zoe said.

“We set it up so people could donate £5 or so, because they couldn’t attend the funeral, but in 24 hours we hit £5,000, and it’s almost at £6,000 now.

“It just shows how loved Sophia was, and how many hearts she touched in her life.

“She was the life and soul of everything, loved planning events for family and friends, and loved a good time in her 33 years – she’s had the best times.”

She continued: “Sophia’s family would like to say a massive thank you to everybody for their support, the flowers and the amazing donations.

“There were flowers covering the street outside [the salon], and it means so much to know how loved she was by everyone.”

To make a donation in Sophia’s memory, visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sophiagartland.