OK, here's the situation. We find this incredibly difficult to ask, and it doesn't sit comfortably with us at all.

Mum very sadly passed away on Sunday 9 September after having a severe stroke on 6 September. This was brought on by complications from her 7 week hospital stay in April - June.

Mum made no will, which means we have to go through probate registry in order to set out any monies that may be due to me and Chris.

I haven't been working since December 2015 as I've been caring for Mum, and have received no benefits, and have no savings. My brother has not been working since March, and has been helping care for Mum in the following months, meaning he has not been in receipt of any benefits, and has exhausted his savings. Money from household bills was paid for by Mum's pension, which has now been stopped.

In order to cover Mum's funeral costs, and one month of bills before we get money in from signing on, we are now turning to you, our friends, in order to help us out.

We are looking to raise as much as we can, with a ceiling of £5,500, in order to cover these costs. Once that amount has been received we will be closing that account, and opening another account for donations towards buying digital radios for Bart's Hospital, King George Hospital in Redbridge, and Queen's Hospital in Romford so that the wards can lend them to patients in need to use, so they have musical/radio company rather than silence.

Thanks very much for your understanding.

We love you all!