Claire Laybourne: Family and friends rally to help family who have lost 'beautiful soul'
Friends and family have rallied round to help a family left devastated after the tragic death of a much-loved mum.
Claire Laybourne died on December 5 in a road collision. In order to help her family a fundraising page was launched - and so far it has raised more than £42,000 after setting an initial target of £15,000.
The page was set up by Ashleigh McDonald in aid of Claire’s partner Ben Dewar. On it Ashleigh wrote: “Our amazing Claire was tragically taken from us, and our hearts are broken.
“Anyone who knew her — whether you were lucky enough to be a close friend, shared a wild night out back in the day, or ordered one of her incredible cakes — will know what a truly beautiful soul she was, inside and out.
“Claire literally lit up the room with her energy, laugh and that wicked sense of humour. Her little family were her world, her love for them showing no bounds. She leaves behind the love of her life, Ben, and her beautiful children, Faye and George, who made her so happy every single day. She was THE best Mam, the most loving partner, and an incredible daughter, sister, auntie, and friend, life won’t be the same without her.”
Ashleigh added: “We have set up this page to help Ben, Faye, and George with the costs that come with this sudden loss, to give them a little support during this heartbreaking time. If you can, please give whatever you’re able to help them. Claire was always the first to help anyone else — now we want to do the same for her.Thank you so much for your support and for keeping our beautiful girl in your thoughts.”
Claire’s family said earlier this month: “Claire was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and gentle strength touched everyone she met. She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted partner, a cherished daughter, a loving auntie, and a loyal friend. Her presence lit up every room, and her love held our family together in ways words can never truly capture.
“Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed beyond anything we could have imagined. The depth of our grief is matched only by the depth of the love we carry for her. We will miss her beyond what words are able to portray. Claire’s memory will forever live on in all of us who were blessed to know her. May she rest in peace, and may we hold her spirit close as we navigate the world without her.”
Claire died in a collision at 10.40pm on Friday, December 5 on the A19 in Holystone, near Newcastle -upon-Tyne in an alleged hit and run. A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while uninsured and failing to stop after a collision.