The grandmother of two siblings grieving the death of both parents, says their families will do their "best to bring up their children the best we can".
Chris Mills and Amie Walton died within a month of each other, leaving behind eight-year-old son Harry and six-year-old daughter Mia. Amie lost her battle with liver and bowel cancer on August 18, aged just 30 - four weeks earlier, she woke to find her partner Chris, 42, had died of a ruptured stomach ulcer next to her, BirminghamLive reports.
Funerals for the couple, from Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, were held weeks apart, with Chris's held on August 8 and Amie's on September 12. Harry and Mia are now being cared for by Amie's mother Tracey.
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She said their families were concentrating on helping Amie through her illness when Chris passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Tracey said Amie was "so brave" after her partner's death, but she died weeks after.
Local Nisa shopkeeper Bal Singh set up a fundraising page to help raise cash for the children and also launched a raffle at his shop on Beacon Road in the hopes of reaching the £2,000 target - it is now sitting at over £39,000.
In response to the gesture, Tracey said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all involved who are helping raise money for my grandchildren. We have all had a very hard and tough time as late.
"We were all busy concentrating on helping Amie through her illness and preparing ourselves for what lay ahead when we had the massive shock of Chris passing unexpectedly, Amie was so brave and built herself up to get through it which I was so proud of her for.
"Once Chris's funeral was over Amie went to her dad's for a break in Devon where she sadly passed herself a few days later. We will continue to live on with them both in our hearts and do the best to bring up their children the best we can. Again, thank you to Bal and everyone one for their continued support, much love."
Mr Singh said: "Harry and Mia have a special place in our hearts. Losing a parent at such a young and tender age is painful but to lose both parents is beyond devastating.
"The circumstances were incomprehensible and have touched every single person. We are coming together as collective community to do the best we can for Harry and Mia and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and everyone for their support in playing an important part in the wellbeing of not only Harry and Mia but for their families too."
To donate to the fundraiser, which has so far gathered nearly £40,000 for the children, please click here.
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