Mrs Bailey died just eight days after her daughter Florence did not survive the emergency c-section
A father devastated by his baby daughter’s death lost his wife just eight days later and was left planning a double funeral attended by hundreds.
Farmer Rob Bailey, from Hampshire, was struggling with the death of Florence, who did not survive being delivered by the emergency c-section required when heavily pregnant Sam suffered an epileptic fit and bleed on the brain.
Just over a week later, New Forest farmer and estate agent Sam also died, leaving friends and family in shock as more than 250 people attended the pair’s funeral at Hordle Church.
Mrs Bailey, of Lymington, had been married less than two years. A member of the New Forest Show cattle committee, she met the Queen when the monarch visited the show in 2012 as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour of the nation.
Four years later she was introduced to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who was touring the showground at New Park, Brockenhurst, in her capacity as president of the show.
Mr Bailey, who met his wife through their involvement with the event, said: ‘Sam was a happy-go-lucky, larger than life kind of person who was always doing something and always put 110 per cent into everything she did.
As well as meeting Sophie, Countess of Wessex, pictured right, Mrs Bailey met the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee tour
‘Sam was so generous and giving of her time, so much fun, so determined, so spontaneous.
‘We are raising money for the Princess Anne Bereavement Fund. Something good has to come from all of this.’
Mrs Bailey, who worked at Spencers estate agency, was remembered for her ‘brilliant sense of humour’ by one of the firm’s directors, Rob Batten.
‘Sam was well known for her brilliant sense of humour – she was always smiling and kept everyone’s spirits up,’ he said.
The New Forest Show stalwart and estate agent, pictured with Alan Tichmarsh, was remembered for her smile and sense of humour as more than 250 people attended a double funeral
‘We are completely devastated and will miss Sam hugely – especially her smile. Our thoughts are very much with her family. It really is so tragic.’
Chris Whitlock, chairman of the New Forest Show, also paid tribute, saying: ‘Sam became a member of the cattle committee in 2010 and was following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John Smith.
‘She was elected chairman of the section in 2012, only standing down in 2017 to pursue a showing career involving Charolais cattle and Texel sheep.
Mrs Bailey, who was on the New Forest Show cattle committee, suffered an epileptic fit and bleed on the brain leaving her needing the emergency c-section
‘Her passion and commitment to showing cattle was integral to attracting the National Dexter Society to hold their annual show at our event in 2015.
‘Her enchanting personality and lust for life was infectious and Sam made an impression on everyone she met.”
Her grandmother, Daphne, added: ‘She loved animals and had an incredible affinity with them. They would back away from other people but when they saw Sam they would come straight up to her.’
Anyone wishing to donate to the Princess Anne Bereavement Fund should contact Tappers Funeral Services at New Milton.