Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh has been hailed as a 'brilliant woman' by fashion designer Bella Freud, who broke down in tears as she spoke at the charity chief's colourful funeral following her death aged 61.

Ms Freud, who is the daughter of artist Lucien Freud, spoke through tears as she addressed the funeral service, telling mourners that Ms Batmanghelidjh 'listened to children and treated them in a respectful way'. 

In a statement read out by her brother Ardi, Ms Batmanghelidjh told those attending her funeral at Golders Green Crematorium in North to 'not be sad'.

In the message, Ms Batmanghelidjh added that she 'had an absolutely brilliant life' and the 'opportunity to serve amazing children and young people'.

Messages written on her coffin by well-wishers included 'Your spirit will live forever' and 'Queen of the South'. Her funeral was awash with colour in accordance with her wishes.

Bella Freud (right) speaking during the funeral of Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh at Golders Green Crematorium

Ms Batmanghelidjh's family announced her death earlier this month, saying she died peacefully in her sleep aged 61 on January 1

Actress Michelle Collins (centre) attending the funeral of Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh

Ms Freud, who is the daughter of artist Lucien Freud, spoke through tears as she addressed the funeral service

Ms Batmanghelidjh's family announced her death earlier this month, saying she died peacefully in her sleep aged 61 on January 1 after a period of failing health. 

The former charity managing director, who famously wore vivid clothing, asked attendees in her will to wear colour to the service, writing: 'Under no condition should anyone wear black, colour is the order of the day!'

Mr Batmanghelidj said his sister's greatest gift was 'the ability to connect with people one-on-one'.

'During those moments one would feel total love and connection with her, wiping away a world of pain,' he wrote in a message for the funeral service.

Mr Batmanghelidj said her goal became 'nothing short of disrupting the social services paradigm of the late 1990s', adding that her mission, clients and staff were 'victims of dirty politics in 2015'.

The poet Lemn Sissay gave a reading of his poem Invisible Kisses at the service - which was attended by Alan Yentob, who served as chairman of Kids Company, and other public figures.

EastEnders actress Michelle Collins was also among those who paid their respects. 

She previously said she had met Ms Batmanghelidjh on a number of occasions and interviewed her. 

'She invited me to her home and was so welcoming she was an incredible woman,' Ms Collins said in a tribute post after news of Ms Batmanghelidjh's broke.

Ms Batmanghelidjh's body lay in repose for five days before the funeral for well-wishers to visit and leave messages of gratitude.

Mourners attending the colourful funeral of Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh

Ardi Batmanghelidj speaking at the funeral of his sister and Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh

Mourners embraced around Ms Batmanghelidjh's coffin, which was covered in roses and tribute messages

The Iranian-born social justice campaigner founded Kids Company in 1996 to support vulnerable children and young people in London, expanding to operate centres in Bristol and Liverpool.

Her charity attracted several celebrity backers including former prime minister David Cameron, Coldplay, artist Damien Hirst and comedian Michael McIntyre - and Ms Batmanghelidjh was made a CBE for her work.

But it was wound up in 2015 after police launched an investigation, which was dropped seven months later, into unfounded allegations of abuse and exploitation, following the broadcast of a BBC Newsnight report.

In 2021, a bid to ban Ms Batmanghelidjh and seven ex-trustees from being company directors was rejected by a High Court judge, who commended her 'enormous dedication' to young people.

In an obituary on her website, her family said: 'Until her death, she continued to work with vulnerable children, who called her or visited her to discuss their traumas, their insecurities, and their challenges.

'Camila wanted to honour these children with the care and protection they deserved.'

Over the decades, Batmanghelidjh became a well-known figure, being dubbed the 'Angel of Peckham' during the height of her success.

The social justice campaigner went on to receive a CBE for her services to the charity and young people.

Kids Company supported 36,000 vulnerable children, young people and families in London and Bristol until it was wound up in 2015.

It attracted a number of celebrity backers including Coldplay, artist Damien Hirst and comedian Michael McIntyre. 

Funding for the organisation came from Government grants and businesses, alongside general donations before the charity collapsed in 2015 amid a string of controversies.