Rachael Hewerdine, a 33-year-old mother from Manchester, died suddenly in hospital on September 29 after suffering a stroke, leaving behind her nine-year-old daughter, Bonnie.
Her death has devastated her family and friends, who remember her as a “beautiful soul” and a “kind girl”. Bonnie is now being cared for by her grandparents, Michelle and her husband, Brian.
Friends pay tribute
Rachael’s friend Katie said she was “so, so shocked and saddened”, calling her “such a beautiful soul”.
She said: “Rachael leaves behind a nine-year-old little girl, a baby now without her mum. As we all know, funerals are expensive, as will be raising a grandchild for her parents. Rest peacefully, beautiful, kind girl.”
Mother remembers ‘inseparable team’
Rachael’s mother, Michelle, said the mother and daughter had been an inseparable team.
Michelle said: “It’s such a very sad and shocking event that has left us all shocked and shaken, losing our precious daughter and Bonnie losing her mom. They were a team, Rachael and Bonnie. Nothing or no one could get between them.”
Fundraiser for Disneyland Paris trip
A fundraiser has been launched to give Bonnie a trip to Disneyland Paris following the loss of her mother. Her grandparents hope the break will bring her some happiness as she begins to come to terms with life without her mum.
Michelle has asked mourners to donate to the appeal rather than sending flowers. She said: “After such a sad event, we thought Bonnie deserves a holiday to Disneyland Paris, where we would love to take her. We are hoping this magical adventure could help in a small way emotionally for Bonnie especially. Please don’t send flowers for Rachael’s passing. Please make a donation on my GoFundMe page. All proceeds will go towards making Bonnie smile.”
Rachael’s funeral is due to take place in Manchester on Monday, 26 October.
