The devastated family of a 23-year-old mum who recently died say her sudden passing has left them with “holes in their hearts”.
Natalie Cullen, from Motherwell, Scotland, died last week, leaving behind her beloved daughter, Kyra.
Her sister, Laura, said Natalie loved her life and was excited for the future, making her death especially hard to take.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “Natalie has left a hole in all of our hearts and her death has affected so many as it was sudden and is unexplained.
“She absolutely adored the bones of her little girl and always wanted the best for her. She spoiled and cared for her so much as a single parent - Kyla was her life.
“Natalie also had a really good job working with North Lanarkshire Council. She helped working with young people trying to make a difference within the care system and also helped homeless people to make sure they got the most support they could.”
“Natalie loved her life so much and had so much ahead of her. She had recently moved into a new house and was so excited for the future which just makes everything more difficult.”
A fundraising page, set up by her friend Emma Gibson to help pay funeral costs, has so far raised more than £2,000.
She wrote: Natalie was an amazing mum to Kyla, sister to Laura, Megan, and Peter, and daughter to Angela.
“Her unexpected passing at the young age of 23 has left a hole in the hearts of those closest to her, and as you could imagine, a stressful situation for costs and organisation surrounding the funeral.
“Anything you could spare towards this cause will be massively appreciated by those closest to Natalie who miss her so much and want to give her a special day.”
Workmate Alison Gordon, head of children at the council’s families and justice social work services, added: “We were all deeply saddened and upset to hear of Natalie’s passing.
“Natalie was an outstanding young individual, a valued and vital part of our Promise team and a much loved and respected colleague who will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
“Our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.”
Donations are welcome at Natalie’s GoFundMe page .
