We are completely heartbroken at the sudden loss of my beloved mum and my dad’s (Jay) partner, Clare.

Her death was unexpected, and it has left our family in shock. We are trying to process the pain of losing her while also facing the reality of the costs that come with saying goodbye — and right now we’re struggling, emotionally and financially, just to get through each day.

Mum will not be released by the coroners until we can afford the funeral deposit, so we are stuck in limbo whilst also trying to grieve. We don’t want to leave her there too long and it’s making us anxious as we cannot help her. We cannot arrange a funeral until she is released.

Mum had a heart of gold. She was the kind of person who would help anyone and everyone, even when she didn’t have much herself. She always put others first. She was caring, supportive, and full of love — the sort of mum who would worry about everyone else before she ever thought about herself.

In recent years, life became very hard for her. She struggled with her mental health and, over time, became increasingly isolated socially because of her poor mental and physical health. She also lived with serious breathing problems, including emphysema, which made day-to-day life exhausting. Even with all of that, she still tried to be there for the people she loved. She didn’t complain — she just carried on, quietly, with a kindness that never left her.

Now we’re trying to give her the farewell she deserves — one that reflects the love she gave so freely. We’re asking for help to cover her funeral costs and to relieve some of the financial pressure on our family at a time when we are already grieving.