A family has spoken of their heartbreak after a young mother from Manchester died unexpectedly from a stroke at the age of 33. Rachael Hewerdine died in hospital on September 29, leaving behind her nine-year-old daughter, Bonnie.
Family remembers a 'beautiful soul'
Rachael's sudden death has devastated her loved ones, with friends remembering her as a 'beautiful soul' and a 'kind girl'. Bonnie is now being cared for by her maternal grandparents, Michelle and Brian.
Paying tribute, Rachael's friend Katie said: "I am so, so shocked and saddened to hear of the sad passing of such a beautiful soul at age 33 to a stroke. 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 and daughter 'inseparable'
Rachael's mother, Michelle, said the mother and daughter had been an inseparable team. She added: "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."
A fundraiser has also 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 coming to terms with life without her mum.
Appeal for donations instead of flowers
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, October 26.
