The mother of a backpacker who died suddenly in Thailand has paid tribute to her daughter

Christina Annesley, 23, died on the Thai island of Koh Tao on January 21.

A keen political activist, she left the UK earlier in January to spend four months travelling.

Her mother, Margaret Annesley, 55, said: "We're absolutely devastated. She was unique, very intelligent, very kind, very witty.

"She was fun; she was a typical young girl."

A former Darrick Wood pupil, in Orpington, her mother said she 'loved school'.

She added: "She loved travelling. She was writing a novel which we want to get published, she had written about 60 per cent. It was her dream to write."

Christina wanted to study a master’s in English literature this September, after receiving a 2:1 in History from the University of Leeds.

Mrs Annesley said: "She went with a friend for a week [to Thailand], that friend came back and that was the beginning of her real backpacking experience on her own."

Her father Boyne, 63, said: "There’s so many glowing tributes from teachers, from pupils, from her various groups that she belonged to."

A school friend said: "Chrissie was completely one of a kind. I can honestly say I never have and never will, meet anyone with the same intelligence, determination, warmth and compassion. What an amazing way to be remembered."

A secondary school teacher wrote: "As a teacher I've met thousands of young people, thousands of faces, thousands of different personalities and I can sincerely say that Chrissie was one of the most memorable.

"She will be missed by every heart she ever touched - mine is certainly never going to forget her."

A friend from university said: "You were one of those special few at school who even at a young age was so embracing and accepting of everyone.

"You were such an intelligent and bright spark who had the perfect combination of fabulousness and quirkiness all rolled into one and this resonated in everything you did. I don't think anyone could have a single bad thing to say about you."

Christina Annesley

Christina, who held a New Zealand passport, was planning to travel around South-East Asia and Australia.

Her mother added: "She had a chest infection making her feel quite low. She took some antibiotics and had gone to the chemist to get some medicine.

"I spoke to her on the Saturday, and she was fine and happy. She said she wanted to make more friends out there."

One of her last tweets said she had spent £60 on antibiotics and could not go out with her new friends.

Christina died on the same island British tourists Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were murdered last year.

But Mrs Annesley ruled out foul play, and confirmed her daughter had now been repatriated.

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