On New Year’s Eve, this family’s world was shattered by the sudden and devastating loss of Melissa Lindo, a deeply loved mum, sister, and cherished pillar of the Banbury community, who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Melissa’s life was defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. Throughout her life, she wore many hats — and wore every one of them with grace. She began her working life as a hairdresser, before dedicating herself to supporting others as a care worker for people with disabilities, and later as a rehabilitation worker for the NHS.

For the past seven years, Melissa ran her much-loved Twice As Nice Jamaican Takeaway, while simultaneously continuing her work within the NHS. Whether through her professional roles or her cooking, she gave tirelessly — to her family, her customers, and her community — right up until the very end.

Through her food, Melissa nourished not only bodies but souls. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and comfort, where everyone was welcome and no one ever left hungry. Many in Banbury will remember her quiet acts of kindness, including feeding members of the town’s homeless community without ever seeking recognition.

Melissa leaves behind five children, including two teenage boys aged 15 and 16, who are now facing life without the woman who was the heart of their home and their greatest source of stability.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, Melissa’s daughter Kanika has stepped forward with extraordinary strength and selflessness. Having only just graduated in Biomedical Science, Kanika was preparing to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She has now placed those dreams on hold to step into her mum’s shoes, so her younger brothers can remain in their local school and college in Banbury, surrounded by familiarity and routine during this incredibly painful time.

Sadly, there were no financial plans in place for such a sudden and unexpected loss. Funeral costs have created immediate and overwhelming pressure, while day-to-day living expenses continue to mount. Although applications for benefits and longer-term support have been submitted, these processes take time — time this family doesn’t have when rent, bills, food, and school costs still need to be met.

This GoFundMe has been set up by a close friend of the family, at their request, to help support them during this incredibly difficult time. The family are currently focused on grieving and caring for one another, and this fundraiser is intended to ease some of the immediate financial strain so they can do so without added worry.

The funds raised will help support the boys and Kanika in the months ahead, covering essential costs such as:

Rent, utilities, and household bills

Food and basic living expenses

School and college costs (travel, supplies, equipment)

Funeral and memorial expenses

Unexpected costs that arise when a family loses its main caregiver

Giving Kanika the financial breathing space to care for her brothers without immediate hardship

Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide stability, dignity, and reassurance during the hardest chapter of this family’s lives. It is also a way for the Banbury community — and beyond — to give back to a woman who spent her life giving to others.

If you can donate, please do. If not, sharing this page would mean just as much.

A simple share could reach someone who can help. Let’s honour Melissa Lindo’s legacy of love, service, and generosity by supporting the family she leaves behind.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support.