A young mum has died aged just 23 - leaving her devastated family with “a hole in all our hearts”.
Natalie Cullen, from Motherwell, passed away last week, leaving behind a young daughter, Kyla.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
A fundraising page set up by Natalie’s friend, Emma Gibson, has raised £2,445 so far to help pay for her funeral costs.
Natalie’s sister, Laura, told Lanarkshire Live: “Kayla will be starting school this year. 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 made a difference helping homeless people to make sure they got the most support they could.”
Laura added: “Natalie has left a hole in all of our hearts and her death has affected so many as it was sudden and is unexplained.
“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.”
Hard-working Natalie was a development worker with North Lanarkshire Council’s Promise team, who have also paid tribute.
Alison Gordon, head of children at the council’s families and justice social work services, said: “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.”
Now, friends and family want to give Natalie the “send off she deserves”.
Fundraising page creator Emma writes: “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.”
Donations are welcome at Natalie’s GoFundMe page.
