Popular mum-of-four Holly Dakin had just graduated from Nottingham Trent University. A selfless individual who had others at the forefront of her mind, she spent time working for Framework, the homelessness charity, and went on to study health and social care at university.
She was described by her parents as a woman who wanted to help people who were struggling to find their way in life. And, owing to her university degree, she aspired to work with young people.
But with her new-found career and life with her beloved young children ahead of her, her family were left devastated when Holly was found dead at her home in Wilford on April 30.
She was just 29 years old. Her father Rob, 64, who runs his own landscaping business, said his daughter had passed away without warning and without known illness. And Mr Dakin, who lives in West Bridgford with his wife Rosemarie, 60, explained he understood the valves in his daughter's heart had failed, causing a heart attack.
Holly's four children - four months, four years, eight years and nine years of age - have now been "left without a mummy". "She had just graduated three to four weeks prior in health and social care, which is probably needed," said Mr Dakin, paying tribute to his daughter.
"She has done previous college courses like hairdressing, photography but they weren't for her. She understood people in that situation and she knew how to help. She spent a lot of her time bringing up her kids. She just wanted to help people. She was very popular and she was well-liked. A lot of people loved her. Her funeral was packed."
Holly previously worked at Framework's hostel in London Road, in the city centre. Speaking of Holly's aspirations in light of her university degree, her mum Mrs Dakin, who works at Nottingham City Hospital to help amputees get their independence back, said: "Holly's aspirations were to work with young, troubled people finding it hard to find their way."
Mr and Mrs Dakin have set up a fundraiser to help financially support the future of their daughter's children, who are staying with family, as well as help pay for Holly's funeral costs. They say the lives of the young children have been devastated and, as such, they will need a lot of support for their mental health.
Holly sadly had no savings having studied at university. But, so far, the fundraiser has had more than £3,000 in donations.
An inquest into Holly's death was opened at Nottingham Council House on Friday, August 5. Assistant coroner for Nottinghamshire, Fiona Gingell, said: "Given the information currently available there is reason to suspect that Ms Dakin's death was unnatural and it is my statutory duty to open an inquest into her death."
You can support the family here.
READ NEXT:
Family pay tribute to 'best friend' dad Anthony Watson who died at work in Bulwell
Nottingham millionaire pays heartfelt tribute to 'soulmate' brother who died in Spain
Fury in 'filthy' Nottingham estate where homes and cars 'covered in dust'
Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie denies alleged assault during Championship play-off semi-final
