A friend has paid tribute to a "devoted" mum-of-two after she launched a fundraiser to pay for her memorial service.

Caroline Downer, 43, lived in Swanley for 25 years and died suddenly on November 11.

Her childhood friend Ria Blackwell said the full-time mum's passing came as "a heartbreaking shock" as they still do not know why she died.

She said: "I first met Caroline when I was six years old and she was seven. Later on when I was 11, I joined the same school as Caroline – I was the year below.

"We became double trouble over the years getting up to mischief and cheeky banter. Typical teenagers messing around.

"When Caroline was 18 she had her first child and we became very close. Over the years of adulthood we still had the cheeky banter that did not go away.

"We had our ups and downs but she was kind and a devoted mother and friend. We were there for each other in our hour of need and living in the same town helped.

"Around 13 years ago, Caroline met her current partner and I have never seen her more in love.

"A few years later her second child was born and as the years went by we became even closer. The banter became texting most of the day every day, giving each other moral support.

"We both developed health problems, some similar to each other, so we had common ground and mutual understanding.

"While I never took her for granted, we had one of those friendships that you assume will never go away.

"We all loved Caroline very much. Despite only being eight, her little one has been strong and brave just like her mum. I know Caroline's feisty spirit lives on in her."

She is now raising money with Caroline's partner to give her the "send-off she deserves" when they are able to. You can donate here.

At the time of writing, more than £650 had been raised.