Tributes to woman after death on ‘trip of a lifetime’
A 23-YEAR-OLD woman has died during a “trip of a lifetime” in Australia.
Chantelle Madonia, from Llanishen, Cardiff, died on December 5.
A graduate from the University of South Wales, Chantelle had been working as a waitress in Sydney after graduating with a master’s degree in global governance.
The “highly ambitious” former Llanishen High School pupil had hoped to work in cyber security when she returned home. Chantelle’s aunt, Ellie Tomlin, said she died in her sleep as a result of a heart condition.
Ellie, 41, said: “Chantelle was so full of life and loved to travel and study. She always supported her friends and family and was always thinking and worrying about others.”
Chantelle had planned to spend a year in Australia after previously travelling to Thailand and Nepal.
“Every picture you see of her she always had a smile and that’s what comforts us. She was very strong-minded. She was very ambitious. We knew Chantelle was popular, but we’ve had so many people want to help us, not just with fundraising but also coming to the house. We never thought this would happen but she just inspired so many people. She had friends from all over the world and we’ve had messages from people she met in different countries. It’s just been phenomenal.”
More than £8,000 has been raised to go towards funeral costs. There are plans to donate any extra money raised to the British Heart Foundation.
A fundraising page says: “We want to celebrate the courageous, outgoing, wonderful life she lived in such a small space of time.”
To donate, you can visit www.facebook. com/dona te/811460565716907/10214377850621215