£250,000 for orphans of tragic couple
A FUND to support three children orphaned after losing both parents to cancer within one week has raised almost £250,000.
A moving picture showed Mike and Julie Bennet hand-in-hand in adjoining hospital beds before they died within days of each other.
It was their dying wish that children Oliver, 13, Hannah, 18, and Luke, 21, would stay together in the family home, continue their education and fulfil their potential.
Generous
Family friend Heather Heaton Gallagher said yesterday the “hugely generous” response to the campaign had already raised more than £225,000 and should support the youngsters until Oliver is at least 18.
She said: “We were aiming to raise £20,000. What’s happened is beyond belief.”
Self-employed cabinet maker Mike, 57, from Liverpool, had been fighting a brain tumour since 2013 and had been nursed at home by Julie and the children.
Julie, 50, a primary school teacher in Wallasey, was diagnosed with liver and kidney cancer last May. Mike died on Monday February 6 and Julie passed away last Saturday night.
Oliver is still at high school and is expected to be cared for jointly by his older brother Luke and his former childminder.
The money raised will be held in a trust. It is hoped it will pay off the mortgage on the family home in Irby, Wirral, and fund household bills.
Luke is studying at Liverpool Theatre School while Hannah is a student at the Elliott-Clarke Performing Arts School in Liverpool.
The children have no nearby family in Wirral.
Heather said: “We have had offers of professional advice from solicitors and accountants and we obviously want to do the best by the children.
“Julie and Mike were the most supportive parents, encouraging their children’s interest in dance and acting from a very early age.
“All three thrive on the stage and Julie and Mike would not want this to stop their children from performing.”
People can donate at justgiving. com/crowdfunding/claire-knight-2