A heartbroken community has rallied together to raise nearly £36,000 for two sisters who tragically lost both parents within a matter of weeks. Gary Veacock, a retired Royal Marine Lieutenant Colonel, passed away suddenly from a heart attack in January at the age of 56, having only recently retired after 38 years of service. His wife Heidi then died in early March at the age of 58, following a long battle with neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid disease.
Family Left Devastated
The couple, from Exmouth, Devon, leave behind their daughters Amber and Mia. Following her father’s death, Amber shared a heartfelt tribute: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Gary Veacock passed away quite unexpectedly on Monday, 12 January, with his beloved wife Heidi and daughters Amber and Mia by his side. Gary was truly larger than life – full of love, laughter, and warmth. He was an incredible husband and an amazing dad, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Our hearts are broken, and we thank everyone for their love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.”
Just weeks later, Amber announced her mother’s passing: “We never imagined we would be sharing another message like this so soon after losing dad, but it is with great sadness that we let you know that Mum, Heidi Veacock, passed away at home on Sunday 1 March, with us by her side, after a long journey with neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid disease. We are incredibly grateful for all the kindness and support we have received during this unbelievably difficult time. This year has completely turned our world upside down, and for now we are simply taking things one step at a time.”
Fundraiser Launched by Family Friend
Family friend Damon Booth set up a GoFundMe page to support Amber and Mia. The fundraiser has so far collected £35,694, far exceeding its initial goal. Booth wrote: “I am a family friend of the Veacock family and have set up this GoFundMe in memory of the kind and gentle Heidi and Gary Veacock on behalf of and for the benefit of their daughters, Amber Veacock and Mia Veacock. Sadness poured from dark, clouded skies following Gary’s passing. Then, on the first day of spring, Heidi also sadly passed away. After they were reunited, the birds sang and the sun broke through. Their love and kindness live on through their wonderful daughters, Amber and Mia.”
The funds will be used to cover funeral and arrangement costs, as well as to give the daughters some financial flexibility to “do something special for themselves, spending the funds as they wish.” In an update, Booth added: “Heidi and Gary are absolutely watching over their girls. The support has been incredible. It shows how loved and admired Gary and Heidi are and what a close community we are. An invitation has been sent to set up the beneficiary so that the girls can access the funds. The fundraiser will stay open and I hope that the momentum keeps going – I have no doubt Heidi and Gary would be so proud of everyone who's reached out to help their girls.”
