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Thousands raised for joint funeral of mum and daughter found dead in Whitstable burger van

By: Max Chesson mchesson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:30, 17 February 2023

Updated: 13:42, 17 February 2023

More than £10,000 has already been raised to help pay for the joint funeral of a mother and daughter who lost their lives in a burger hut tragedy this week.

Tyla Wanstall found his mum Leah Churchill, 50, and "beautiful baby sister" Brooke Wanstall, 17, dead in his Meat ’N’ Greet Snack Wagon off the Old Thanet Way in Whitstable at 8am on Tuesday.

Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall are believed to have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning

It is believed they had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from generator fumes while decorating the unit overnight as a surprise for Tyla's 26th birthday.

Now, friends and family are rallying together to help raise funds for the funeral, with almost £10,000 already donated to give the pair a “big, bold and pink” send-off.

Read more!

Speaking on his Facebook account, Tyla endorsed the fundraisers, saying: “I hate having to ask for help but we really do need it!

“All the money will be going towards an amazing joint funeral to give them both the send-off they deserve.

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“Anything left over will go towards my little brother and just trying to get things back on track with my mum's house."

Crowds gathered to release balloons in memory of Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall

Two separate fundraisers have been launched, with one set up by Georgie Jacobs and the other by Craig Phillips, on behalf of Brooke’s dad, Justin.

Georgie promises to give Leah and Brooke a send-off they would love and hopes to raise £10,000, with more than half already collected.

“As many of you are aware, on February 14th, we heard of the devastating news that 2 young, beautiful lives were sadly taken away & in a way that has left everyone speechless," she wrote.

“I and am sure many of you would like to ensure that we can at least ease some of the financial cost towards the funeral, and all pay our respects in a way I’m sure everyone will agree will help the family.

“With everyone giving what they can we give Leah a send off alongside her daughter Brooke’s which she would love - big, bold & most of all pink!”

Tributes have been left at the burger hut where Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall were found dead

Craig's appeal has already raised more than its £5,000 target.

He wrote: "I’m hoping to help my friend Justin to say a special goodbye to his lovely daughter Brooke, who passed away with her mum tragically, and to help him going forward with the family."

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The crowdfunding efforts come after a huge outpouring of support and love for Leah and Brooke.

Talking to KentOnline earlier this week, Tyla paid tribute to his mum and sister, calling them “beautiful” and “kind”.

“Mum was so kind and would do anything for anyone,” he said.

“She would take a homeless man in off the streets if she was allowed. Brooke was just a live-wire with a huge personality.

Brooke Wanstall died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning along with her mum

”It's heartbreaking to think they spent their last few moments just trying to put a smile on my face.”

Joining together at Herne Bay seafront on Wednesday evening, hundreds of balloons were released as mourners gathered to celebrate Leah and Brooke’s lives.

Leah lived in Wife of Bath Hill on the London Road Estate in Canterbury and was a mum of four, leaving behind another daughter, Ocean, 23, and son Sonny, 12.

Brooke had just completed her GCSEs at Archbishop’s School, Canterbury, and had been set to take her driving test next week.

Tyla, also a drum and bass MC, revealed they had gone to the food hut the previous night to decorate it with balloons and banners as a surprise for his 26th birthday.

On his arrival the next morning, he found the unit filled with fumes and realised they must have started up the petrol generator - normally kept inside at night for security - to provide power, without realising the danger.

"I opened the van door and and saw my mum and sister and for an instant thought they had fallen asleep," he recalled.

Tributes have been left at the burger hut where Leah Churchill and Brooke Wanstall were found dead

"I smelt fumes but it just didn't register straight away, but it became obvious they were both dead.

"I called the police and ambulance but it was the firefighters who told me it was likely carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Mum made a fatal mistake and we don't want this to happen to anyone else.

"Be aware of this thing, people. If you haven’t got a carbon monoxide alarm go and get one. It is a serious killer.

"I don’t know how we're ever going to get over this."

Donations can be made to the GoFundMe pages here and here.

Tyla added: “Please, any help will be so appreciated.”

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