Two young children have been left without their parents after a couple tragically died within weeks of each other. Both Chris Mills and Amie Walton died within a month of each other, leaving their eight-year-old son Harry and six-year-old daughter Mia behind.
Amie, who was herself battling liver and bowel cancer, woke up on July 18 to find her partner Chris, 42, had died of a ruptured stomach ulcer next to her. Exactly four weeks later, Amie lost her battle with cancer and she passed away on August 18, aged just 30, BirminghamLive reports.
Funerals for the couple, from Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, were held weeks apart, with Chris's held on August 8 and Amie's on September 12. Harry and Mia are now being cared for by Amie's mother Tracey, who said their families will do their "best to bring up their children the best we can".
She said their families were concentrating on helping Amie through her illness when Chris passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Tracey said Amie was "so brave" after her partner's death, but she died weeks after.
Devastated to hear of the tragic passing of two of his customers, local Nisa shopkeeper Bal Singh decided to set up a fundraising page to help raise cash for Harry and Mia. He also launched a raffle at his shop on Beacon Road in the hopes of reaching the £2,000 target.
In response to the kind gesture, Tracey said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all involved who are helping raise money for my grandchildren. We have all had a very hard and tough time as late.
"We were all busy concentrating on helping Amie through her illness and preparing ourselves for what lay ahead when we had the massive shock of Chris passing unexpectedly, Amie was so brave and built herself up to get through it which I was so proud of her for.
"Once Chris's funeral was over Amie went to her dad's for a break in Devon where she sadly passed herself a few days later. We will continue to live on with them both in our hearts and do the best to bring up their children the best we can. Again, thank you to Bal and everyone one for their continued support, much love."
Mr Singh said: "Harry and Mia have a special place in our hearts. Losing a parent at such a young and tender age is painful but to lose both parents is beyond devastating.
"The circumstances were incomprehensible and have touched every single person. We are coming together as collective community to do the best we can for Harry and Mia and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and everyone for their support in playing an important part in the wellbeing of not only Harry and Mia but for their families too."
To donate to the fundraiser, which has so far gathered nearly £3,000 for the children, go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-to-be-part-of-harrys-mias-journey.
