THE family of a police officer who died just four weeks after her baby girl was born, have spoken of their heartbreak.

Former Southampton student, Becci Dadswell, who grew up in Romsey and served with Cheshire Police, died in shock circumstances after spending a few weeks with newborn daughter Bella.

It is not yet known what caused the hugely popular 35-year-old's death.

She suffered acute pains at around 12.30pm on January 5 and died two-and-a-half hours later in Hospital.

Mum and dad, Alan and Denise Butler, said they were grateful to have spent three weeks with Bella and Becci, and husband Simon Dadswell.

Alan said: "You could see the love between Becci and Bella.

"She would hold her in her arms and look at her as if she couldn't believe she had given birth to her."

"We had a lovely family Christmas and New Year before it all went wrong."

Passionate about singing, Becci attended several colleges to study music.

During her funeral at St Ambrose Church in Widnes yesterday, Thursday, songs recorded by Becci were played. 

Daily Echo:

Relatives and friends at the packed service heard her version of 'Every Time', by Britney Spears.

It has been posted on Facebook with pictures of Becci and has had more than 70,000 views - see below.

Becci studied nursing at university in Southampton, and was known for her wonderful bedside manner and care of patients when working at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport.

"Colleagues from Stockport were at the funeral and said she was the most loved nurse on the ward," said Alan.

Becci worked part time in hospitals to fund her studies, and dad Alan believes it was her desire to help people that saw her join Cheshire Police in 2007.

Her passion on the job was to help pensioners in Warrington, ensuring their safety.

"She wanted to help old people the most," said Simon, who is also a serving police officer.

"One of her frustrations was the time pressure to move onto the next job when she wanted to see it through and make sure everyone was ok."

Loved for being a warm, friendly personality with many friends, family said her beaming smile was enough to diffuse volatile situations when on duty.

"She would neutralise confrontation with her smile," said Simon.

"If she was in a domestic situation where there was a fight, she would talk them down with her personality and get them talking about it," said Alan.

"Once it was kicking off at a Warrington Wolves game and the crowd were getting lively and having a go at police," said Simon.

"She walked towards the crowd and took her hat off.

"She was quite a glamorous-looking girl and the chants changed to 'give us a smile'."

Mum Denise said: "She was so excited to be a mum, a loving, caring girl who called me every day.

"She loved dressing up, ever since she was little.

"I think she quite liked the police uniform because of that."

The Widnes resident also worked with children with physical and mental disabilities, taking one child to Disneyland in 2005.

Alan said: "She saw the best in people. Where others would lose patience, she'd give them the benefit of the doubt."

Married to Simon in 2013, Becci was also a caring mum to step-children Lydia, 14, and Daisy, 13.

The two teenagers are both Twilight fans and suggested their baby sister be called Bella after the main character in the best-selling books.

'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri, a song used in the Twilight film series, was also played at the funeral. 

Daily Echo:

A touching guard of honour was formed by colleagues at Cheshire Police, with officers mounting horses in tribute, on Thursday.

Brother Ben Butler, who is also expecting a child and said the siblings had looked forward to parenthood together, added: "Cheshire Police were amazing.

"Most of the officers were crying, it was so touching, but that was Becci - she was kindness.

"She lived, and loved."

Family and best friend Louise have launched a fundraising campaign following Becci's death.

They are appealing for help to raise money for daughter Bella's future education.

To donate, go to gogetfunding.com.

A memorial service will take place in Romsey, Becci's hometown, on Friday, January 23. 

Well-wishers are welcome at Romsey Abbey with the service due to start at noon.