Two Edinburgh sisters have tragically died within just weeks of each other, as their devastated family and friends have now launched a fundraiser in their memory.
Shaunie Thomson, 26, and her younger sister Shavanna, 21, died just 19 days apart in what has been described as the "worst news any family can receive."
The sisters, from the Stenhouse area, are to be buried and have their funerals together. Shaunie sadly passed away on February 12 and her sister Shavanna died just three days ago on March 3.
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A family friend, Mary McGovern, has started an online fundraiser to cover funeral costs and has written a short message in memory of the pair, with any money left over being donated to charity.
She said: "Hi everyone, as most of us are aware of the heartbreaking news of the passing of sisters Shaunie 26 & Shavanna 21, 19 days apart is the worst news any family can receive, the family have made the decision to have both girls funeral together which during the worst time of their life's will also be finically difficult.
"Hopefully we can raise as much as we can to give the girls the best send off they both deserve, all proceed will be paid directly to funeral home and any monies raised left over will go towards a charity of the family choice. Would just like the Reilly and Thomson family know that you are all in our thoughts during this time.
"Rest easy girls we hope you have the best beds in heaven forever #26 #21."
Tributes have also poured in for the sisters online. One close friend of Shavanna wrote on her Facebook page: "Life is honestly the hardest and most unexpected thing... We grew up together and went through literally everything together as well, good and bad, getting each other through the hardest time of both our life's but we made it eventually.
"You were the most genuine and kindest lassie anyone could have every met and if I could take your place today I would in heartbeat, you were far to kind for this world gorgeous girl, I'm gonna miss you so so much, I love you angel."
On Shaunie's page, one person wrote: "So sad, she was doing good, looking good, then I hear she is away.” Another said: “Shaunie was always there for me, the only person that stood by me and helped me."
A link to the fundraiser can be found here.
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