THE daughter of an Irish grandmother brutally murdered in her London flat earlier this year has set up a GoFundMe campaign after funeral costs and a lack of compensation left her young family "in crisis".
Caroline Snowling's mum Hannah Leonard, 55, was found stabbed to death at her 10th floor flat on the Chalcots Estate in Camden on February 9.
Ms Leonard, originally from Co. Cork, lived alone on the estate and was a popular and well-liked resident.
James Whitaker, 28, and Lucy Casey, 43, were charged with murder shortly after the killing and are due to appear before the Old Bailey this month.
Heartbroken daughter Caroline found out about her mum's death almost 12 hours after it was reported by local press on the morning of February 9.
The wedding and events businesswoman hopes to set up a memorial fund - "Hannah's Wings" - in honour of her mum, but a delay over compensation from the government has left her plans up in the air.
Funeral costs have left Caroline some £5,000 in the red, while a £2,500 childcare bill for her four children to attend play schemes while the trial is on has only made matters worse.
Cork native Hannah Leonard, 55, was stabbed to death in her Camden flat on February 9, 2018"Government support is massively lacking in all areas for victims of murder, I have been granted 15 counselling sessions which is now due to end as I should be 'cured' by the 15th session," Caroline said.
"The complex grieving counselling is stopping at the beginning of mum's murder trial when I most need the support in place.
"There is a compensation system put in place by the government; however, this can take around a year to two years to come through. None of those funds are available when you need them most".
Caroline added: "When I receive my compensation money, I intend to set up a memorial fund in honour of Mum and call it 'Hannah’s Wings'. Our goal will be to offer support for murder victim families to protect from financial pain.
"I understand first hand what financial difficulties can arise, and if I can prevent even one family from experiencing the additional pressure and pain that I have, then I will be proud. I want the fund to offer a comforting hand of help where there is a such a lack of it for a unexpected tragedy.
"I had to think long and hard about setting up a go fund me campaign. Part of me felt awful for doing it and slightly embarrassed, but either way, I have found myself in a position where I need support from friends and family.
"I have tried every other avenue for support via my own resources, but unfortunately, if you work there is no help."
If you would like to donate to Caroline's fund, click here.
