Related to this thread:
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...utal-and-cruel
This is a tough ask for probably all the wrong, selfish reasons and I need to see the issue from another persons perspective.
Two days ago, we discovered a gofundme page had been set up by son's partners mother on facebook. The mother is a proud and independent lady who lives somewhat less than comfortably. Works two jobs to maintain herself and doesn't want anything to do with being part of the benefit system, I've only met her briefly when the baby, Courtney, was just born. She struck me as being a resilient but gentle lady.
I recently discovered that two years ago she lost her son, my sons partners brother, to drugs. Very few people within her immediate family and none with the means to help with funeral costs. As a consequence she took out a £6k loan which I believe she is still paying down.
Our reaction to this gofundme page was, shamefully, less than understanding. We had made it clear when Courtney died that my son and his partner need not worry about funeral costs, we would cover it all. We didn't appreciate that the gofundme appeal was the only way the other half of the family could contribute to the costs which was something they needed and wanted to do. That took a tearful Son & Mother of Courtney to visit and say that she appreciated our offer but this was the only way they could be part Courtney's funeral. Her mother had to swallow her pride to publicly appeal for money...a huge dose of humble pie was swallowed by us.
We had to rapidly adjust our thinking to appreciate that.
They're hoping to raise £2500 - this is to cover the headstone, burial plot and associated fee's. Anything in excess will go the Royal Childrens Hospital, Glasgow, intensive care unit to help support other parents who's child is in the unit...travel, food and accommodation costs.
The link to the gofundme appeal:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/collectio...eca6abf01f4c22
I hate the picture which was taken in Courtney's last few hours, but I have to respect their choice for choosing that one in amongst all lovely photo's available - and I don't think it's my place to tell them it's wrong.
I'm not a Facebook user where these appeals seem to end up but I thought I'd ask here. I genuinely do not feel comfortable doing this - my son has asked me to and I can't refuse with any good reason or honesty.
The funeral is tomorrow which I hope will bring some closure to this sad tragedy.
If you feel you can make a small donation, a pound or two perhaps, I'd be hugely grateful as would the other half of the family. I've already seen on some parts of social media cruel comments that this is a scam or a hoax, I'm sure I don't need to tell you it isn't.
We could donate to the appeal, but as we're covering the other costs, we've been asked not to. We'll find a way to use the "saving" on them - something for their home, get them away for a needed break away or similar.
Finally, I'm sorry if this appears garbled, disjointed and rambling...it's all too much at times.
If anyone feels this is inappropriate let me know and I'll remove the post.
Thank you, David
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