A brave mum has thanked strangers for donating thousands of pounds for her terminally-ill daughter after revealing the family couldn't heat their home due to the rising cost of living.
Alexandra Hazell, 35, revealed on Wednesday how little Anastasia had to be wrapped in blankets and kept warm with a wood fire.
Her devastating story has inspired generous well wishers to give more than £5,000 in just a few hours to support the seven-year-old's final moments at their home village near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Their fund raiser has jumped to nearly £8k with further donations still pouring in for the youngster.
Anastasia was given just 12 months to live when she was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable DIPG brain tumour last March.
Speaking through tears, Alexandra said: "It's really overwhelming. People have been amazing and so helpful. It's been the worst year of our lives but also the best because we've had this incredible support."
The fundraising page entitled 'Anastasia's legacy' now has more than £7,800 – more than half of the family's target.
Alexandra said the "Easter bunny" will use a portion of the funds to buy gifts for Anastasia, including her favourite Lush bath products which she "loves the scent of".
She said the money will also go towards keeping the family's heating running after they've already run out of oil twice this year.
Well-wishers who donated to the page left emotional messages for the family.
Helen Cullip said: "Your story moved me to tears. You are all so brave.
"Just a little, but hoping collectively that between us all we can make your beautiful little girl's final days here as comfortable and warm as can be xxx"
Katie Kinnes wrote: "Wishing your family all the best with the challenges you face.
"What a beautiful and strong daughter you have and what a lovely legacy you are setting up to ensure she is never forgotten. x"
Robena Sharif addressed little Anastasia directly, writing: "You are so beautiful I hope your family have very good memories with u.
"U r so gorgeous I can’t imagine what your mum and dad are going through wish u all the best sweetie".
Alexandra has told how the family's heating bill had risen from £400 during lockdown to £530 last month.
In February, they ran out of heating for three days until they managed to find the money to pay for an oil delivery.
Alexandra said her daughter's lips "turned blue" as the family huddled in her room to keep warm with a wood burner and blankets.
She said: “We didn’t have heating for three days. Anastasia’s lips were turning blue. It was really scary. The nurses were panicking about her.
“We ran out of heating because we had to use more showers and baths, and were trying to keep the house warm during the cold snap in February.
“It’s not like our house is warm all the time. We’re wearing jumpers and everything. We have a Nest energy monitor to make sure we’re using the smallest amount of energy possible.”
Alexandra also said their groceries bill had doubled in price since last year, with the family's weekly shop going from £70 to around £140.
The mum has set up a charity in Anastasia's name called Hope House Hazells, which supports children with special needs and their families.
Alexandra said: "We're going to help other children down the line in her name.
"I think she's really happy knowing she can help other people. This little girl has shown us so much bravery and we want to carry that on."
The GoFundMe page can be found here.
