Mourners spilled out of St Budock Church as more than 300 people gathered to say farewell to “inspiration and quirky” Sasha Watson, the teenager who had lost her two year battle against a rare form of liver cancer.

Sasha, 19, had been diagnosed with fibrolamellar cancer only three days after her 17th birthday and despite a valiant fight against the disease, it claimed her life only 19 days after her 19th birthday last month.

Her parents, Michelle Bray and Chris Watson, had been at her bedside at St Julia's Hospice in Hayle at the end and the previous week the teenager had been visited by other family, including sisters Ria and Keita, and several close friends.

Sasha's funeral service last Thursday was so well attended that about 50 people were forced to stand outside the church and listen to the service relayed through a PA system.

The teenager was brought into church to the sounds of Bob Marley singing Don't Worry, Be Happy and music continued to play a large part throughout the service. Mid way through mourners in the church were shown a montage of photographs while ska favourite Sally Brown and The Killers' Human was played. Mourners later left church to another of Sasha's favourite songs - David Guetta's Titanium.

In a eulogy written by her parents, entitled Our Sasha, which was read by the Rev Geoffrey Bennett, Michelle and Chris said: “Diagnosis of Fibrolamellar cancer came three days after Sasha's 17 birthday. Her whole world fell apart. Treatment continued - three major surgery procedures, chemo embolisation and 22 rounds of chemotherapy. How did she do it? With guts and determination that we could never have believed.

“Scared? Yes, very. Meltdowns? Yes, many. But she always dug deep and didn't let it stop her doing what she wanted to do.”

They ended their tribute with: “Our Sasha with her sparkling eyes and beautiful smile. Her quirky personality and wicked sense of humour. With her many hair styles and colours, piercings and tattoos reflecting in her flair in art, her many sketches and artwork to be treasured.

“Her kindness and consideration for others despite what she was going through. An inspiration to her sisters while protecting them with her amazing strength of character, honesty and positive outlook on life. Sasha showed courage beyond her years. A true spirit to be reckoned with.

“Sasha is so loved by so many and painfully missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and being with her. Sasha's smile, laughter and zest for life will live on in our hearts and will always be remembered.”

Other tributes were read by friends, cousins and Sasha's sister, Keita. After the service, Sasha was laid to rest in the neighbouring cemetery before mourners gathered at Falmouth Football Club at her parents' invitation.