Tragedy has struck in the most unimaginable way... my beautiful friend has lost her beautiful little girl
A fundraiser for the grieving family of a murdered nine-year-old girl has passed £20k - with more than 1,000 donations.
Aria Thorpe died from a single stab wound at her home on Monday evening. The community has been rallying around her family and friends and a vigil is being held in her home town of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset on Thursday evening. And just a day after being created, a JustGiving page has already more than doubled its initial £10,000 goal.
A 15-year-old boy, who can not be named because of his age, has been charged with her murder is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, December 19. The fundraiser was created by a family friend Heather Prindiville, who said money will go towards covering costs to support Aria's mum Victoria Hull and family during their grief.
She wrote: "As a close friend of the family and seeing first hand just how difficult the coming moments, days, weeks, months, and even years will be for them I just want to be able to do something to ease the road ahead.
"Tragedy has struck in the most unimaginable way and so close to Christmas. My beautiful friend Tori and her amazing family have lost their beautiful little girl Aria at what is supposed to be the most magical and loved filled time of year.
"In the midst of it all while they’re learning how to breathe each moment I’d wholeheartedly like to take at least one worry away which she hasn’t even considered will be a worry. With the support of her family, I am trying to raise some funds for whatever comes up they will need, be it bills, housing, and most importantly space to heal without the added stress of having been away from work or any pressure to race back to it.
"Tori is a single mother and military veteran, she gives so much to everyone around her, her love, her support, her time, and she’s given her all to serve her country. I just want to give her the space to heal and to support her family to heal."
After the total hit more than £20k, Heather posted an update and wrote: "When I started this page I wanted to aim for the sky, this family has a whole world to rebuild. I knew deep down that people, that humanity would blast my target and you continue to amaze me with your generosity! Thank you and keep sharing."
To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/arias-family?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL