THE community of Hucknall has pulled together to set up a trust fund for the children of a 33-year-old mum who died from a heart attack.
Maria Butler had taken her daughter Georgie, 13, and son Harry, 10, who both suffer from learning difficulties, on a holiday to Marmaris in Turkey in August.
Miss Butler, who was a full-time carer to her children, died unexpectedly of a heart attack and was flown back to the UK earlier this month.
Now residents have helped to organise a fun day to be held in Hucknall tomorrow to raise at least £1,000 for a trust fund for Georgie and Harry.
Grandma Margaret Butler, 70, of Charles Street, Hucknall, is now looking after the youngsters with her husband Malcolm, 70.
She said she was touched by the community's effort to help the family and added: "I didn't used to like Hucknall but this has really opened my eyes.
"Everyone has been absolutely brilliant.
"It's a wonderful community and I have a lot of people to thank.
"I am looking forward to tomorrow's event.
"Georgie and Harry are just the best. They are so loveable.
"They understand their mummy has died but I can't really tell how they're coping with it – they don't talk about it much.
"There is a photo of their mum in their bedroom and I caught Georgie the other night giving it a good hug and a kiss."
Miss Butler's sister, Jackie Fisher, of Mansfield, said: "This is a terrible tragedy and it's so hard for us as a family.
"I feel like if I stop for one minute, I will break down.
"Maria has been an amazing mum and I have always admired her for it.
"I know my parents will do everything they can for the kids, but should there be an emergency, they could be stretched for cash.
"They're both receiving their pensions, so aren't entitled to carers' allowance.
"I can't thank everyone enough who is involved in tomorrow's event.
"The people of Hucknall have been amazing."
Nick Smith, 33, of Charles Street, Hucknall, who has known the family for more than 20 years, has been leading the organisation of tomorrow's event, which will be held at the Red Lion pub in High Street, from 12pm until last orders at around 11pm.
He said around 110 people had already confirmed their attendance and another 70 said they might turn up.
"Everyone has pulled together to put this together," he added.
The free event will include a bouncy castles, face painting, a barbecue, a silent auction to win an Acer tablet computer device worth £400, as well as a raffle to win a new power shower with free fitting worth £600 and many other prizes.
Local band Stage Fright will be playing live at the event and have donated their time for free.
For more information, contact Mr Smith on 07828 108 223 or e-mail him at nick.smith79@hotmail.co.uk.
