KIND-hearted customers at a shop in Poole have raised over £150 towards the holiday fund of eight children who lost their mum last month.

John O’Donelly, who runs Turlin Moor Convenience Store, decided that he wanted to help Andrew Duffin, 38, and his family, after the children’s mum, Natasha, died aged just 29, on January 19, following a battle with leukaemia.

John said: “It’s such a tragic case with there being eight children involved.

He added: “We know the family and they are customers of ours, so we wanted to raise some money to help them.

“I remember their mum was always so patient with them, where other parents may rush the kids to hurry up and make their choices, she would patiently wait.

“She was a lovely lady.”

Money raised by local businesses and residents will go towards sending Andrew and kids, Brandon, 12, Bradley, 11, Shannon, nine, A.J, seven, Alfie, six, Megan, five, Jack, three, and Brooke, two, to Butlins.

It is the place that the Duffin family used to travel to twice a year to enjoy a family holiday in the summer and at Christ-mas.

Charlie Loveday, of Ives and Shand Funeral Services, based in Parkstone, says that those who are not able to donate money, could still give a few moments of their time to write a letter or postcard to the family.

She said: “Even if people just gave £1, that would be great. We just want to give all the children a break and the chance to have some fun again.

“However, people can also write a little note to say that they are thinking of the family, which I know will be well received.”

To send a letter or make a donation by post, write to Ives and Shand Funeral Directors, 668 Ashley Road, Parkstone, BH14 0AG, go to Funeral director.co.uk/Natasha-duffin or contact Ives & Shand on 01202 716500.