Mexborough woman launches appeal after death of sister at 37

Carla Brewer has launched an online fundraising page as she bids to provide a fitting funeral or memorial tribute to her sister Lavinia, who has died aged 37.

Carla, of Mexborough, said Lavinia had struggled with alcohol and drug abuse after having a troubled childhood and spending much of her early years in care.

She died on February 9, while living on the streets in Doncaster.

Carla, a mum of two, said she had done what she could to help her sister with food and clothing and still held fond memories of the time they spent together.

“She would take me to the park when we were younger and push me on the swings,” recalled Carla.

“She was saying when I left care she would look out for me.

“She was doing really well at the time.

“She was a lovely girl.

“Even if we don’t manage to raise enough money to give my sister the funeral send off that I would like for her, she will get a memorial service so her loved ones and friends can say goodbye and have a bench or something similar to remember her by.”

A lantern release service will be held in Doncaster town centre, near Subway in Priory Walk, at 6pm tomorrow evening.

It is understood an inquest has been opened and adjourned into Lavinia’s death.

Carla said she had bought a rose bush of the variety known as Lavinia and would plant it in her sister’s memory, along with a memorial plaque.

She is also fundraising in hopes of funding a funeral or a memorial.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/LaviniaBrewer to donate to her GoFundMe page.