A devastating accident has turned this family’s world upside down — please help us support them through their toughest time ❤️

In just a matter of seconds, this family’s world was shattered. Marie’s two youngest children watched in shock and fear as their mum fell 8–10 feet from a ladder, hitting her head on the ground. Amid the chaos, her 12-year-old bravely called his nan for help while passers-by and neighbours rushed to Marie’s side, calling an ambulance and comforting the children until help arrived.

No child should ever have to witness something like this. No family should have to endure so much heartbreak at once.

Hi, my name is Jody, and I’m setting up this fundraiser for my amazing cousin Marie and her beautiful family. Marie and I grew up more like sisters than cousins — always side by side. I used to steal her toys, clothes, makeup, even her teddy bears. Now, years later, our children are growing up together too, attending the same school, and I often take her kids to watch their beloved Aston Villa matches.

Marie is 39 years old and lives with her partner and their three wonderful children, aged 15, 12, and 8. They are a hardworking, close-knit family who have always been there for others — but now, they need our help more than ever.

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What Happened

On the evening of Wednesday, 27th August, I was putting my younger children to bed when my mom — who lives just three doors down — rushed in after receiving a call about Marie’s accident.

When we arrived at her home, the ambulance and first responders were already there. Marie had fallen 8–10 feet from a ladder, landing on her head. She had a deep head wound, blood coming from her ears, and was unconscious for a time before coming round confused and disoriented.

It was Marie’s two youngest children who were there when it happened — something no child should ever have to see. Her 12-year-old bravely called his nan for help while her youngest watched in shock, terrified for their mum. Passers-by and neighbours quickly rang for an ambulance and stayed with them until paramedics arrived.

Scans later revealed a bleed on the brain. Thankfully, the bleeding has now stopped, avoiding emergency neurosurgery, but Marie faces a long, painful, and uncertain recovery. She is currently still in hospital, very drowsy, in constant pain, and struggling with memory loss — and we don’t yet know how long she’ll need to stay there. Doctors have said it’s too early to know if there will be lasting effects on her speech, memory, or mobility, and she will need rehabilitation.

We’ve also been advised that Marie will not be able to drive for at least 6–12 months while she recovers, which means she won’t be able to return to work for the foreseeable future.

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Why They Need Our Help

Marie is self-employed as a cleaner, and with her unable to work, the family has lost an entire income. Her partner has taken time off to care for her and the children, leaving them relying on a much-reduced household income.

Like so many families in the UK, they were already feeling the pressure of rising living costs. Now, with the mortgage, household bills, food, and hospital travel costs for appointments and rehabilitation, things have become incredibly tough financially.

And while the financial strain is huge, the emotional toll is even greater. Marie’s youngest children have been deeply affected after witnessing the accident. They’ve had to see their mum rushed to hospital, connected to machines, and struggling with memory and confusion. They’re frightened, they’re worried, and all they want is for their mum to get better and come home feeling like herself again.

Marie has always been someone who puts others first — from being a former teacher, helping at her children’s schools, caring for elderly friends, and supporting neighbours in need. She is the kind of person who gives without ever expecting anything in return.

Now it’s our turn to be there for her.

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A Family Already Facing So Much

This accident couldn’t have come at a more heartbreaking time. Just a few months ago, Marie’s mom, Martine, was diagnosed with stage 4 aggressive cancer. In July, she underwent major surgery to remove cancer from her appendix, colon, ovaries, and peritoneal wall. She is now enduring further chemotherapy and ongoing treatment as she continues her fight.

Our family has already been through so much recently, and now this devastating accident has added another unimaginable weight for Marie and her family to carry.

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How You Can Help

We’ve set up this fundraiser to help support Marie and her family with:

• Mortgage payments and household bills

• Food and daily essentials

• Travel costs for hospital visits and rehabilitation

• Anything else they need while Marie recovers

Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference. It will help take away some of the financial burden and allow the family to focus on what truly matters — Marie’s recovery and supporting the children through this incredibly difficult time.

If you’re unable to donate, please share this page with your friends, family, and on social media. Every share helps us reach more people who may be able to offer support.

On behalf of Marie, her children, and our whole family — thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, generosity, and compassion. It truly means the world. ❤️