THE family of a Darlington woman who died from Covid-19 have made an appeal to raise money for her funeral.

Karen Gowan died this month in hospital after battling with the virus for more than a month.

The 41-year-old, who lived in Darlington with her partner Quentin, was mother to Leigh Neave and grandmother to two-year-old Lexi.

Leigh, who lives in Croydon, in south London, said: "She was quite quirky and funny and stubborn as well.

"She loved reading and watching documentaries.

"She was very caring and she loved helping people. She was quite nosy as well, the liked to know what was going on with everyone."

Ms Gowan, who was disabled and was unable to work, fell ill at the start of March and was admitted to hospital after struggling with her breathing.

After spells in intensive care, she had a cardiac arrest, resulting in brain damage, and died on April 4, more than a month after falling ill.

Her funeral is due to take place at Darlington Crematorium on Friday, April 23, which has been made possible after more than £1,600 was raised by friends, family members and wellwishers.

Leigh started an online fundraising appeal to cover the costs of the funeral after struggling with the finances.

She said: "I'm a single mum and I don't have savings and she didn't have savings.

"We couldn't give her a send-off, even a basic one. It just wasn't possible.

"We were just hoping for a bit of support to give her something, nothing spectacular but a basic package with some respect and dignity."

She added: "It's been lovely. I knew my mum had a lot of friends but I didn't think I would have as many messages and people donating. It's been lovely.

"She was one of those people who kept in touch with everyone.

"She was someone who would go out of her way to help anyone and everyone, even if she didn't know or even like them. She would do anything she could to help."

To find out more or to donate to Leigh's appeal visit www.gofundme.com/f/karen-gowans-funeral.