Family and friends gathered for the funeral of a passionate animal and disability rights campaigner from Norwich yesterday.

Krista Thompson, known as Kris, was found dead at her home in Parmentergate Court on King Street, Norwich, on Wednesday, June 29.

The 49-year-old was born in Zimbabwe and worked as a volunteer for Disability Rights Norfolk.

After moving to Norwich in 2005, the former graphic artist and taxi driver in South Africa cared for her late mother Joan at their home near Bishopgate.

She then lived on Aylsham Road for a time before moving to her flat in Parmentergate Court last year, but recent times had proved more difficult after being diagnosed with skin cancer last year. Krista was found hanged.

Her sister Donna, a model, dancer and actress from Sprowston Road, Norwich - best known by her stage name Donna Africa - gave the eulogy at City Cemetery Burial Chapel on Earlham Road.

Kris' favourite hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, began the service before the first of three emotional songs, Maria McKee's Show Me Heaven, preceded the eulogy.

Donna said of her sister: 'Kris was a giver and always gave generously with her heart to others. Kris was always there to listen to anyone's problems and try to help.

'Kris believed if it can be dreamed, it can be done.'

A poem written by Krista, entitled Leaving, was followed by Jeremy Riddle's More Than A Friend and Angel by Sarah McLachlan to maintain an emotional tone to the service, played either side of a bible reading from John chapter three, verse 16, the hymn God Be In My Head and The Lord's Prayer.

Do you want to pay tribute to a lost loved one? Call David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk