A heavily pregnant woman has taken on the care of her sister's baby after she tragically died just weeks after giving birth.
Heartbroken Lorena Ferreira, 31, lost her sister Mariana Ferriera, 29 after she fell from a flat window on March 25. A police investigation has been launched, however the death is currently being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, Wales Online reports.
Lorena is now caring for her newborn niece and expecting her own child in just a few weeks, all while struggling to cope with her sister's sudden passing. She said: “It’s been really hard for me.
"She was my best friend and my only sister. My heart hurts so much. These days have been so difficult. Only my husband is working and we’ve been struggling."
Lorena and Mariana moved to the UK five years ago where they found work as housekeepers. The sisters shared a close bond, and even married brothers from the Brazilian city of Goiânia.
In November 2022, they found out they were both pregnant at the same time, with Mariana just three months further along. However, just two weeks after welcoming her baby girl, she was tragically found dead by police.
Unable to work, Lorena is now desperately trying to provide for her baby niece, but is struggling to make ends meet. Her former employer Patricia Wilson has set up a fundraiser to help support the mum-to-be, with several donations already received.
The 37-year-old said: “Lorena had been so excited for the birth of Mariana’s baby. I’d even seen photos of their baby shower - it looked like a really happy day.
"I was getting into my car and I received a text from Lorena to tell me Mariana had died. I was breathless. My brain wouldn’t accept it, I just kept thinking: 'No, this hasn’t happened. This can’t have happened'.
In the days after Mariana’s death Lorena told Patricia that she would have to give up her work to care for her niece and prepare for her own baby's arrival.
Patricia continued: “She offered to try and find her own replacement, which is just a testament to how hardworking she is. I told her not to worry at all.”
Following Mariana's death, Patricia banded together a network of people who also employed Lorena, with the group donating toys and other equipment. Patricia said: “We contacted a mum’s WhatsApp group and, in the end, we filled one car with donations - including a really nice buggy, clothes, toys and a baby carrier.
“We drove to see Lorena with the donations and it was incredibly moving. She was, obviously, distraught. She really is such a gentle woman, she was crying and so were we - it was such an emotional time.”
Inspired by the outpouring of support, Patricia set up a small crowdfund to help with Lorena’s bills and childcare costs. She initially set up a JustGiving page with a target of £2,000.
She said: “I wanted to be able to do something else. I decided to create this fundraiser. I initially set a £2,000 goal because I just wanted to reach other mothers who might be touched by this story.
“But it really picked up quickly, and seemed to strike a chord with how difficult those early days can be for first-time mums. It’s impossible to wrap your head around it - within the space of weeks, this woman has lost her sister, who was also her best friend, and is now having to look after her two-month-old niece while expecting her own baby.
“Lorena was so touched by the gesture, and believes this money is really going to help. In terms of what happens next… I don’t know.
"They came all the way from Brazil, and hopefully this money will allow Lorena some breathing space, and comfort in knowing a lot of her childcare costs are now taken care of. This was a household of four people all working - but since Mariana’s death, her husband and sister have given up work.
“Now, the only person with a regular income is Lorena’s husband.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 17:00hrs on Saturday, 25 March to reports of a woman fallen from a flat on Keevil Drive, SW19. Emergency services attended and immediately provided first aid. Despite their efforts, the woman - believed to be aged in her late 20s - died at the scene. Her family has been informed.
"The death is being treated as unexpected but at this early stage is not thought to be suspicious."
The fundraising page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helplorenaandfam
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