Community rallies round in Shelia's hour of need

A wonderful community of friends and anonymous supporters have rallied round in one Chadderton lady’s most devastating hours of need.

The seemingly escalating costs of funerals were thrown into focus again recently when widow Shelia Bromiley, who is 81, lost her second son - Jason - last month after he lost his battle with the dreaded cancer following a brave seven-month battle.

He was just 47.

Shelia has little or no savings, so her neighbour and close friend Jenni Winland set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise a very much-needed £1,000 towards funeral costs so Jason could be afforded a dignified send-off.

Just days later, almost £700 has been raised for Shelia, leaving Jenni felling immensely proud and thankful to everyone who has donated so far.

“Shelia lost her 47-year-old son on January 18 after a battle with cancer,” said Jenni.

“This was the second child she has lost at the same age, just a few years apart.

“Her other son, Sean, who was older than Jason, died at the age of 46 in 2013

“She has lost her husband, Allen, too. He passed away in 2006 when he was 68.

“They were married in 1958.

“As funeral prices are so high and Shelia’s financial situation is grim, I started an appeal to raise £1,000.

“So far many strangers have donated and we are currently well on the way to reaching the target. 

“I think this is such a heart-warming story about the beautiful people of Oldham, doing their bit for one of their own.”

Shelia said: “I think it's marvellous.

“There are so many kind people.

“I never knew there were such people willing to help a stranger."

You can donate to the Appeal for Shelia here

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