Fundraiser for devastated North End man whose mum dies and granddad passes away after contracting coronavirus at her funeral

Brave Frankie Tomney, 25, has been left to pick up the pieces along with his nan Elaine Tomney, 74, who has lost her daughter, Nicola, and husband John in less than two months.

The devastating double blow has sparked a fundraising campaign for the beleaguered North End family who stumped up £8,000 for Nicola’s funeral after she died on February 24.

The ‘kind’ 49-year-old, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital with breathing problems before she started hallucinating.

Following tests, it was discovered Nicola had sepsis on the brain, which she never recovered from.

Frankie said: ‘My mum was ill for a while and went into hospital where she passed away from sepsis.

‘She was a lovely, kind lady. Very truthful and was one of a kind. She would wear her heart on her sleeve.’

Nicola’s funeral, which took place just before lockdown, saw around 60 people attend the service.

Frankie told The News his granddad, aged 75, picked up coronavirus during the funeral.

‘It was the only time we’ve got together as a family and the only time my granddad had been out,’ Frankie said.

‘My mum’s funeral took place just before lockdown so there were about 60 people there.

‘My granddad had a stroke last week which was brought on by Covid-19 the doctors said. He doted on my nan and would pick up my daughter for me. He did everything - he was the heart of the family.’

Frankie, a barman at Gunwharf Quays, has now moved in with his nan to help her but admits he is still shellshocked at the tragic events.

He said: ‘It’s not really sunk in yet. It’s just been one thing after another. We were grieving for my mum but now for my granddad as well.

‘My nan has lost her daughter and her husband in the space of a few weeks. We just spent £8,000 on my mum’s funeral and now have to find the money for my granddad's service.’

John’s service will take place at Portchester Crematorium but it is not yet known when. ‘Only five people are allowed there for it,’ Frankie said. ‘But after lockdown we plan on having a massive celebration.’

Family friend Miriam Jones, who is organising the fundraiser, said: ‘This is a family that is going through the most tragic of times, during this most awful time, where they can't even have the support of loved ones at the moment.

‘If we can just raise enough to help them with supplies, funeral costs or anything they may need, it would be a huge help.’

As of Thursday morning the fundraiser had raised £395 after setting a £350 target.

To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/to-help-a-young-man-and-his-nan

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