After the sudden, and at only 46 yrs young, way too early death of my sister last weekend we've all been overwhelmed by the kind words and offers of support from a huge amount of local people, in short, you, Karen's friends.

Against my better judgement, I've been talked into setting up this page as I'm press-ganged into believing a lot of her friends would rather help with Karen's children's future than donate to charity or give flowers so here we are. Indeed many of you have already helped out and words cannot express our thanks. You know who you are.

Please don't anyone feel compelled or pressured in any way to donate anything at all, as it's neither what myself, the family or indeed what Karen would want, being a very private (and stubborn) woman! Being honest she's probably mortified looking at me doing this anyhow so I'm probably in for it at a later date! The very fact you're reading this drivel I've written means you've cared enough for her and about her life as it is. Also please ignore the "we're raising" figure of £2 listed above, I wanted to zero it but the page wouldn't let me.

We all look forward to meeting you at the celebration of Karen's life, final details to follow.