Caroline Casanova was an exceptional single mother working for me in Southampton. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer and leaves behind three children, all of whom now need to navigate life without a parent's guidance, love and support. Our intention is to soften the blow just a little by fundraising for them in the hope of alleviating some of their financial difficulties in the forthcoming months including funeral costs. Of course, no amount of money will make up for the loss of their mother but three young people who are confused, despairing and in shock of the death of their only parent. We hope that you find it in your hearts to support this young family, bereft after losing their mother.

Caroline was diagnosed with breast cancer with metastasis in her bones, she fought valiantly for two years but then it spread to her liver, her kidneys and finally her brain resulting in her untimely death at the age of 45. She was an amazingly strong, happy, full of life, and hardworking woman who remained resilient throughout. She lost her parents who died during covid. It was then such a tragedy when she fell ill with this aggressive cancer and her children have now lost their mother in addition to losing their grandparents.

Caroline died on Saturday 19th August with her children by her side.

She leaves behind Miranda, aged 7, Paola aged 14 and Armando aged 20. Armando has bravely made the decision to take guardianship of his sisters and keep his family together as much as he can. He doesn't want them to go into care and unsurprisingly, they all want to stay together as a family as Caroline had wished.

She the sole breadwinner of the family but she struggled as a single parent. Sadly, she had no insurances to cover costs while she was ill. Caroline was born in the UK but lived in Venezuela for part of her life. She returned five years ago with her children and had been working two jobs to give them a better life.

Armando is a thoughtful, and caring young man. He helped his mother in all the ways possible before her death and is re-thinking his plans about college and how to juggle his studies, work and being a carer. It is a huge responsibility that he is undertaking for someone so young.

We hope to alleviate some of the family's difficulties by helping towards the financial challenges they are now faced with such as funeral costs, rent, school necessities, cost of driving lessons, and a car to facilitate Armando's new role as a carer.

Alarmingly, up to now, there has been no news from social services to help the children in their desperate time. Leaving Armando no choice but to anxiously deliberate over how best to proceed with their lives with the interest of his siblings at the core. He has begun to think of the practical aspects of parenting, counselling for his sisters, finding work that will be flexible to accommodate his new responsibilities as his sisters' primary carer.

This heart wrenching tragedy has left them vulnerable in many ways. No amount is too small to make a difference and will be whole heartedly appreciated by the family.

Caroline will be fondly remembered by all her loved ones. Kindly keep her and her children in your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

We would appreciate you sharing the plight for these children far and wide.

Heartfelt thanks in advance for all your support.