Tributes have been paid to a young woman after she died unexpectedly. Latifah Newcombe, 33, from Aigburth, worked as a personal trainer. Latifah, who had struggled with her mental health for some time, took her own life earlier this month just days after she left hospital.
Fundraiser raises over £3,900
A fundraiser to pay the funeral costs and support Latifah's mum Alison has raised over £3,900. The page was set up by Kevin Dreah, a close family friend, who said Latifah was “well known and loved in Aigburth”.
Speaking to the ECHO, Kevin, 48, from Allerton, said: “She was just a really nice person. She had lots of friends. She was such a lovely kid.
“(Latifah and Alison), they’d do anything for you. All around Aigburth, they’re very well known. It’s just a shame. It’s unexpected, that’s what has hurt the most.”
Mental health struggles
Kevin said Latifah had struggled with body image, anxiety and depression. He believes her death highlights the problem of mental health issues in young people and how they are treated.
Kevin said: “Latifah lived in London for a while but she came back home because she was struggling. Alison was looking after her and it was just the two of them.
“Her mum really wants to put it across that Latifah never had a good time in the hospital. Latifah was determined not to go back to the hospital.
“It was a terrible time for her there. She came out worse to be honest.
“(Her death) has really hit everyone hard. For one, she was so young and beautiful as well. Mental illness is common now in young people. That’s what Alison wants to raise awareness for.
“As soon as we heard, I just wanted to help her. I thought I'd set up the GoFundMe page for her because she's going to need help financially.
"She's on her own. There’s no date yet (for the funeral). They haven’t had time to sort it.”
You can find out more about the fundraiser here.
