The family of a loving mum who died unexpectedly on New Year's Eve have been 'overwhelmed' by the support from people.
Claire Harrison, 48, died surrounded by her loving family at the Liverpool Royal Hospital following a 'quick and unexpected' deterioration in health.
Niece Samantha Jackson previously set up a fundraising page with the hopes of reaching a £4,000 target to help her three children with funeral costs and some financial stability in the near future.
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In just a few days, after being shared by the Liverpool ECHO, the page has already surpassed its original target, bringing in a staggering amount of over £7,000.
The grateful family said this will help Claire's three children who now have to "face the world alone".
Samantha told the ECHO: "I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and everyone that has so kindly donated to Claire's fund. The response we had has been so overwhelming.
"I started this fund with hopes of reaching £4,000 to help towards funeral cost and any monies left over a little bit of stability for Claire's three children now they face the world alone.
"To my surprise it didn't take very long for the target to hit so I raised it higher as people were still donating.
"As well as the very generous donations people have been reaching out with their messages of support. I have read each and every one and I have passed them on to the family and Claire's children.
"I know this time of year is difficult for many but it just shows how many good people there are in the world and in our time of need how they have all to come our rescue. I will be forever grateful to each and every one.
"This has allowed Claire's children to grieve without the added worry of financial stress and has allowed them to focus on other things.
"Once again from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
The Huyton mum-of-three had initially gone to the Liverpool Women's Hospital to have polyps removed (small tissue growths) after suspecting 'something wasn't right'.
These were successfully removed and Claire was also given a stent for her kidneys, but after feeling unwell, around a week later the 48-year-old collapsed and was taken to the Royal hospital.
Here, it was found she had an infection which caused her liver and kidneys to fail, resulting in 'fluid overload' which began to build on her lungs.
Whilst in hospital, Claire also tested positive for Covid-19 and despite initially seeming 'fine', she had taken a 'turn for the worse'.
The family were called in on New Year's Eve and told to "prepare for the worst" and Claire sadly died later that day, leaving behind her three children, Connaugh, Ewan and Paige who she 'adored'.
Messages of support came pouring on on the fundraising page.
One person said: "This is a nightmare fear for most single mums (I am one too). I feel for you poor kids, I wish you all well and hope this fundraising helps you lay your beautiful mum to rest in a fashion she deserves. Lots of love.
"Go forward fiercely and bravely and live to make your mum proud - as I'm very sure she is of you all!"
Another said: "I can’t imagine what the children are going through, but I send them my best wishes for the future. Be strong and make your mum proud."
A third added: "Such very sad, tragic news. Hope the children get lots of love and support going forward."
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