Published at 11:18, Thursday, 13 December 2012

A FUND has been launched to help the two-year-old daughter of tragic Mica Atkinson.

Happy times: Mica Atkinson with daughter Lilly

Carly Fletcher, close friend to the family of 22-year-old Mica who died last month, has set up Beautiful Little Lilly’s Fund, to support the young mum’s daughter and give her “the best start in life”.

Ms Fletcher said that it is Lilly who is keeping Mica’s family and friends sane, as they try to come to terms with their devastating loss.

Ms Fletcher, from Mirehouse, knew Mica all of her life and is best friends with her mum, Nicki.

Because of the loss of Mica, she said it seemed right to raise money for Lilly, as she is the one keeping the family going.

“Lilly’s the one who’s keeping everyone sane,” said the 33-year-old. “The fund is a little start for Lilly – we just want to give her the best start in life.

“She meant the world to Mica and she loved the bones of her, all she ever wanted to be was a mummy.

“Lilly knows that her mummy’s not there, but nobody has said anything to her about it, so she’s unaware of what’s happened.”

The first fundraiser – a Christmas Fayre – took place on Sunday and a number of future events are now planned.

Ms Fletcher said that it’s the support of well-wishers and doing things that cause a distraction that’s helping Mica’s family and friends through this difficult time.

She knows first hand how Mica’s family are suffering, as she was with Mica’s mum when she received a phonecall to tell her about her daughter’s death.

“I’m pleased I was there,” she said. “I could take her round and support her. I was in two minds whether to do the fundraisier for Lilly as everybody is still so raw, but when I showed Nicki what I had planned, she loved it.

“Mica was beautiful inside and out. It’s touching the amount of people that have been to see Nicki since it happened – the support is unreal. And so many people are bringing flowers.”

Ms Fletcher said the flowers are a fitting tribute to Mica, as when she worked in Tesco she would go back to her Grandma’s house with armfuls of bunches that had been reduced in price.

People have already been getting in touch with Ms Fletcher, asking if they can do their own fundraisers to donate to Lilly’s fund. And anyone who wishes to do so can contact Ms Fletcher on cmjo666@aol.com.

The circumstances leading to Miss Atkinson’s death are still being investigated. A 25-year-old man from Whitehaven who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released on police bail until January.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on Thursday, December 6, by West Cumbria coroner, David Roberts. Evidence of identification was given by her mother, Nicholas Huddart. The inquest has been adjourned until June 13 next year.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk