Sadly on Thursday 20th July just after 6 am in London England, Vanessa James lost her life to a gruesome attack in her own home. She died on her sister's birthday. A day that her family and friends will never forget! Just 3 months away from her 25th birthday, Vanessa had so much to live for. Her daughter, her heart and soul turned 2 in January, and after just over a month of starting again and moving into their new home, their happiness has been cut short.

Her passing still feels like a very sad nightmare, hoping that when we wake up she'll come round the corner with a huge smile on her face telling us it wasn't her and that we should all just "cheer up". That's was Vanessa!

She had such a bubbly energy that no matter what had happened you were going to leave smiling or laughing. She was determined to get exactly what she wanted, a characteristic that's been passed down to her daughter, one that we pray she'll never forget where that side of her came from. A true, caring friend, that didn't always have much but would share with you regardless, and truly gifted you with her time and presence. Such qualities are so hard to find.

But as the days turn into weeks and the weeks eventually turn into months, Vanessa is yet to be laid to rest. As a friend of the family, and with the family's blessing, I wanted to create this page to help them lay their daughter, little sister and mother to rest. This family have had so many losses. Each year for the past three years.

Even if you didn't know Vanessa personally, the floods of messages from social media is a testament to who she was to us all. Together we can help raise enough money, whether the gift is big or small to contribute to Vanessa's funeral and give her a send off she truly deserves and whatever is left to help make sure that her 2 year old daughter has a prosperous future.

Thank You xXx