Have a proper funeral’

Daughter’s fundraiser for Fiona, who died aged 55

A GRIEVING daughter is appea l i ng for help from the public to hold a second funeral for her mother after lockdown ends.

Jennifer Black’s mother, Fiona Linton, from Dundee, passed away on Mother’s Day at the age of just 55 – but as her funeral was held when Covid-19 restrictions were in force, only five immediate members of the family were able to attend the service.

Jennifer said the experience had made it difficult for the family to grieve properly and she still desperately wanted to give her mum a “proper send off”.

Jennifer said: “My mum had a rare genetic disorder called mitochondrial disease and she had a fall back in December. She had been in the hospital ever since.”

Fiona suffered with neurological issues, muscle weakness, blindness and deafness because of her condition.

Shortly before Fiona died on Sunday March 22, Jennifer brought her mum home because of the hospital’s stringent visiting restrictions during lockdown. Jennifer said: “Before, when she was in hospital, you could come and go as you pleased.

“It was so difficult not being able to be with your mum on her deathbed, so we decided to bring her home so the family could be with her for the last couple of days.

“On the day she died I woke up at 5am to go and check on her and she was still with us, so I was able to say ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ to her, but by 7.30am she was away.

“She was a really good mum, and if it was not for her fall, her health would not have deteriorated as quickly as it did.”

Her funeral was held at Dundee Crematorium on Thursday April 2 but Jennifer is now trying to raise money through crowdfunding to hold a memorial service once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

She said: “Only five people were able to attend her funeral – myself and my two sisters, my husband and one of my sister’s boyfriends.

“Mum’s sisters were not able to come because they didn’t want to risk getting coronavirus.

“It is such a shame because she was such a spirited person who was always laughing, and she was only 55.

“I feel a second funeral will give the whole family time to grieve and give her a proper send off. I am doing a crowdfunder and on Facebook I have been running raffles and bonus ball giveaways as well.”

Funeral directors across the country have been forced to come up with new ways to hold ceremonies during lockdown, as some family members are forced to miss the services.

Tania Gillespie, marketing manager for William Purves, which represents James L Wallace in Dundee and Robert Samson in Broughty Ferry, said: “We are live streaming in the crematoriums and at the graveside and doing online obituaries which can be useful for families.

“We are also offering to drive the hearse past neighbours, family and friends who can come to their gate or garden.”

To donate to the fund visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ fionalinton.