A Scottish woman who tragically lost her mother and partner in the space of eight months says the crippling financial pressure of paying for two funerals so close to each other has put her under significant strain.
Elaine Stirling, 39, told how her world was turned upside down by the sudden passing of mum Carol, 59, in April last year after she suffered three brain aneurysms following the formation of a clot in her heart.
The mum-of-six later suffered further heartache weeks before Christmas when partner Thomas Brown, also 39, was found at his home in Johnstone, with medics describing his death as “unascertained”.
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Grieving Elaine tearfully explained that money worries over supporting her children and organising a memorial for the landscape gardener meant she was struggling to give him a “proper send off”.
She told the Daily Record she had been forced to launch a crowdfunding bid to help her with costs after leaving her job during the pressures of the pandemic.
Elaine added: “The thought of not being able to afford a funeral for Thomas, who did so much for others, has made the whole ordeal worse.
"To see your mum die, then your partner, in the space of eight months is heartbreaking.
"Both deaths were so sudden and Thomas' is still down as not ascertained, we didn't see it coming at all.
"We're desperate."
Elaine added that Thomas' income had also dipped during the winter months leading up to his passing, while she had taken on childcare responsibility for her autistic daughter.
She said: "Work dried up for Thomas as people either weren't allowed to have landscapers over, or they felt uncomfortable.
"That problem got worse before Thomas died, as work always slows down anyway in the winter.
"I used to be a factory worker, but had to leave my job. With Covid, jobs were going and wages were getting lower.
"I have six children to look after including one very autistic daughter who I could not risk catching Covid."
Elaine added: "As a family we already struggled for money, now we have his very unexpected funeral. Costs are too high for us to cover it's awful."
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In just a few weeks the page has raised almost £800 and Thomas' funeral will take place on January 26 at Cardross Crematorium in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire.
Elaine maintains that the GoFundMe page will close as soon as sky high expenses are covered.
She said: "People have been so kind. To donate so much during a time when people have so little money, is unbelievable.
"Thomas always thought of others, he'd give someone his last penny.
"It's nice to see people doing the same for him."
Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page.
