A FUNDRAISER has been launched in a bid to support the family of a 17-year-old girl from Leigh who passed away suddenly.

Lilly-Rose Dawson passed away unexpectedly leaving behind her heartbroken 12-year-old brother Charlie and her mother, Rachel Davies.

Rachel had been Lilly-Rose’s full-time carer since she was born and now family friend, Maria Roberts, also from Leigh, has launched an urgent fundraiser pleading for the people of Southend to come together and offer the family support during this devastating time.

Maria, 40, said: “Rachel and her son Charlie are grieving such an awful loss and for Rachel, this is coupled with unimaginable financial pressure, Rachel was a full-time carer for Lilly-Rose since her birth and cared for her daughter on her own as a single parent.

“Lilly-Rose’s health issues were not the cause of her losing her life and that is something that her family are shocked by and are struggling to come to terms with.

“She was a light in so many people’s lives, the most kindest, caring, selfless young lady. She is very well known within the community as someone who lifted everyone’s spirits and faced so many challenges, still with a smile on her face.

“Rachel has now lost her income after being a full-time carer for Lilly-Rose, she has lost her care and could potentially lose her home that holds many precious memories.”

Maria hopes to use the cash to not only support Rachel and Charlie, but to also organise a family fun day next year for young children in the community.

She added: “My aim, with help from friends and family, is to organise a fun-filled family fundraiser in February half term that’ll be aimed at young children.

“This is to raise vital funds that will enable Rachel and Charlie to have some space to grieve and eliminate some of the financial pressures that Rachel, as a grieving single mother, is now faced with.”

Maria has called on the Southend community to make this a reality, by donating to the fundraiser with raffle prizes, donations of part related good or by buying an event ticket when they become active.

Maria has so far received donations from Argosy Toys, Sugar Lump Lane, Seahorse and Aces and Homeward Bound Tattoo.

A Gofundme has also been created by Rachel Davies’ sister, Louise Bell, to support the family of Lilly-Rose too, which currently sits at £2,536 and can be donated to a this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-loss-of-lillyrose.