Raised £10,000 for the funeral of mother and daughter killed in van tragedy

Thousands have been raised for the funeral of a mother and her teenage daughter who died putting up birthday decorations.

It is believed that they died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tyla Wanstall found his mother Leah Churchill, 50, and sister Brooke Wanstall, 17, on Tuesday morning as he opened his food truck in Whitstable, Kent.

The couple had decorated the Meat ‘N’ Greet van with balloons and banners overnight to surprise Tyla for his 26th birthday.

The unit was filled with smoke upon arrival.

At that moment, Tyla realized that his mother and sister must have started the gasoline generator for electricity.

Friends and family have gathered to support the grieving family, with nearly £10,000 being donated to give Brooke and Leah a “big, bold and pink” farewell.

Tyla wrote on Facebook: “I hate asking for help but we really need it.

“All the money will go towards an amazing joint funeral to give them both the farewell they deserve.

“Anything left goes to my little brother and I’m just trying to get things back on track with my mom’s house.”

Fundraisers were also started by Craig Phillips on behalf of Brooke’s father Justin and Georgie Jacobs.

Craig has surpassed his goal of £5,000 and Georgie is halfway to her goal of £10,000.

She said: “As many of you know, on February 14th we heard the devastating news that two young, beautiful lives had been sadly lost, in a way that left everyone speechless.

“Me and I’m sure many of you would like to ensure that we can reduce at least some of the financial cost of the funeral and all pay our respects in a way that I’m sure everyone will agree to do will help the family.

“As everyone gives what they can, we say goodbye to Leah along with her daughter Brooke, who would love her – big, bold and most importantly, pink!”

Mother of four, Leah is survived by another daughter, Ocean, 23, and Sonny, 12.

Brooke had just completed her GCSEs at Archbishop’s School, Canterbury and started a new job as a carer, which she loved.

The grieving Tyla said: “Mum was so kind and would do anything for anyone.

“She would take in a homeless man off the street if she were allowed to. Brooke was just a live wire with a huge personality.

“It’s heartbreaking to think they spent their final moments just trying to put a smile on my face.

“I don’t know how we’re ever going to get over this.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, Visit our news page.