A COMMUNITY has come together to help a young woman left with five siblings to raise following the death of a beloved grandmother.

On Thursday, January 25, Hartlepool woman Shelley Ellis died surrounded by her loved ones following a battle with a serious illness.

Ms Ellis, who was 39, leaves behind six children and two grandchildren, who will now be brought up by her oldest daughter, Shannon.

The heartbroken 22-year-old has been touched by an outpouring of support from Hartlepool residents, who have so far helped to raise more than £2,000 to fund her mother’s funeral costs.

After being moved by the family’s tragic story, the Hartlepool-based Miles for Men initiative launched a fundraising appeal on their behalf.

Stephen Picton, from MFM, said the response to date had been staggering, adding: “It is such a sad story, Shannon is only 22 and has so much to deal with – we just wanted to sort everything out for her.

“Everybody in the town has come together, as they always do in times like this, and it has been fantastic to see.

“Shannon’s left with five siblings to bring up, who range in age from six to 15, and that is an absolutely huge task, especially when she has two children of her own.

“When someone passes away, there is always the problem of money and how to afford a funeral, so the town has come together to do what they can.”

Shannon Ellis released a statement on behalf of her and her siblings Mia, Neve, Bracken, Keevie and Blaine to thank the community for their support.

She said: “We didn’t know how many great friends our mam had in Hartlepool, the messages we have received showed us how much our mam was loved.

“She would be amazed at the love and support we have received.

“We sadly lost her on Thursday with her family around her bed, she was only 39, it was one of the worst days of our lives.

“I will look after my family as well as my two children, it’s going to be hard but I’m the oldest and this is what mam asked me – she said to please look after the kids and I promised I will.

“We are taking all taking it day by day, at 22 I know it’s going to be a struggle but I promised her faithfully I would look after them all the best way that I can.”

Ms Ellis ended her statement by thanking all who had supported her, including the Miles for Men and Walk for Women initiatives.