Campaign in memory of Blackwood mum-of-two who died from blood clot tops £2,000

Leanne Phillips, from Cefn Fforest, tragically died aged just 40 on November 4 and now childhood friend Hayley Thomas has set up an online appeal to raise £3,500.

Ms Phillips, who is mum to Thomas, 17, and Morgan, 12, worked in Beatrice Webb residential home in Blackwood since she was 16.

She was described as “very funny, always laughing and always wanting to have a sing song”. 

Ms Thomas, who knew Ms Phillips since they were children, said: “It’s just so devastating.

“It was such a shock. We didn’t expect it at all, we were all shocked and none of us are really over the news.”

The fundraising was set up for Ms Phillips’ son Thomas, who was due to go on a college trip to South Africa next year.

Ms Thomas said: “Leanne was very proud that her eldest son had the opportunity to go to South Africa, she was working double shifts to fund this and up until now had paid half.

“It would be a fitting tribute to get the rest and send young Thomas on this trip.

“The trip was about £3,000 and she’d been paying it off. Whatever money is left will be used for spending money.”

She said the huge response to the fundraising appeal has been overwhelming and thanked all those who donated for their support. More than 100 different people made donations.

She said: “Thank you all so much. This would mean the world to Leanne , some positive in the depths of drowning grief.

“The fundraising is going well. I know everyone wants to do their bit. We had an anonymous £500 which boosted funds straight away.”

Following the funeral which was held yesterday, Ms Thomas is now organising a celebration of Ms Phillips’ life on Saturday, December 5 at Oakdale Rugby Club. There will be a balloon release, disco, singer, raffle and prizes.

Ms Thomas said: “We want to celebrate her life, albeit how short it was.”

To donate to the fundraising campaign, called Leanne's Wish, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/ct97vm3g.