FRIENDS of a mum who tragically died in a dog attack in Southend have been left “amazed and overwhelmed” after almost £3,000 was raised to help fund her funeral.

Mum-of-five Michelle Hempstead tragically passed away after a shocking dog attack on July 29 in her ground-floor flat in Retort Close, Southend.

Close friend Liah Smith launched an online fundraiser in a bid to help pay for her funeral and £2,674 has been raised in less than two weeks.

The attack came after Michelle’s firstborn and only daughter died on June 4 and was buried on July 2, something Liah has called “absolutely haunting” for the family.

Liah said: “It was absolutely amazing to see the figure on the fundraiser. I was overwhelmed, and I had a lot of messages from it. There were people reaching out who wanted to know about the funeral.

“There is more confidence now for the family, everyone has seen the numbers, and it has really worked out and been a massively positive thing.

“Her mum and dad are quite a bit older and being of a different generation, they don’t understand social media and we were trying to get to the point where we can fund the funeral. We are helping them understand and they are happy for the help.

“Nothing to almost three grand has given a real incentive, a bit of hope and it is so nice seeing it get there. It has been positive.”

Liah issued a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far as they begin to organise the funeral.

She added: “I want to thank everyone. I want to thank her neighbours as well and this has been a big community thing. If anyone else could possibly donate, it would be incredible.

“We are constantly trying to think how Michelle would think, and she would be grateful and grateful for the kids.

“I feel she wouldn’t expect this. She was so independent and even with handouts she never took, so if anything went to the kids he would have been appreciative.”

You can donate at gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-michelle-hempstead.