Help us give Tianie the best life possible – Appeal for cash to raise girl whose mum was murdered

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

The family of a mother stabbed to death in her home have appealed for help in raising her daughter.

Charlotte Huggins left a young daughter, Tianie, 11, who will now be looked after by her great aunt Peggy – but the family hope well-wishers will contribute to big expenses like college and a graduation dress in only a few years’ time.

Charlotte, 33, died in John Ruskin Street, Camberwell at 4.50am on New Year’s Day. Paramedics fought to save her life for more than 30 minutes, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

More than £3,000 has so far been raised of a £5,000 target by 96 donors since the page was set up 11 days ago.

Charlotte’s father and other members of the family said on the fundraising page: “There is no substitute for a lost mother, but I ask each of you to consider a donation that might make a
difference to a future Tianie – a Tianie who has had to grow up without the motherly guidance, care and love that was rightfully hers but snatched so cruelly away.  A Tianie whose life might be made just that little bit easier, thanks to each of you.

“Although Charlotte’s beloved aunt, Peggy, will always provide for all of Tianie’s needs, without her mother there may be times when extra support is needed. Driving lessons, her first car, university, a prom dress that Charlotte will never help her choose, a graduation gown that Charlotte will never see.

“Since the tragic passing of our treasured Charlotte, her family have been overwhelmed by the love and support that they have received from their friends and neighbours.

“Never has it been more apparent that Charlotte was very much loved, and we thank each and every one of you for your condolences and offers to help.

“Charlotte was simply a wonderful person. Ask anyone – they will tell you that she was kind, happy, sweet, smiley, beautiful, gentle, bright, bubbly, generous, a loyal friend and, most importantly, a wonderful mother.

“New Year’s Eve is a time for new beginnings. But there is no hopeful new beginning for Charlotte.

She won’t move into her new flat.  She won’t land that job. Charlotte won’t even get to walk her daughter to school.

“There are no words to describe the pain each of us has felt at her passing. Yet we can all count the cost of a life cut so heart-breakingly short – achieving her dreams, being there for her daughter and watching her grow, maybe grandchildren one day.”

Charlotte’s last message on Facebook, hours before she died, was: “Wishing all a healthy, happy 2019 – Love us…”

Hours later her father posted on the same page: “My beautiful daughter x princess always darling love you so much darling always and forever xx xx Daddyo xxx don’t you ever forget that ok Daddyo xxx.”

More than 300 people have also posted condolence messages on the page.

Ewa Davenport, who only knew her through Charlotte’s work at Sainsbury’s, said on the gofundme page: “I always remembered her as she was so warm, helpful and lovely, with a big smile.

“She’d always give me extra help and a smile, and entertain my baby while I packed my groceries. You just couldn’t help but know she had a lovely heart and a generous spirit.

“I cannot imagine how her being taken away in such way must have broken so many hearts. My heart goes out to the family but particularly her daughter. She should know that her mother was a wonderful woman and touched the lives of many with her generosity of spirit and kindness of her heart.”

To contribute to funds for Tianie, to  https://uk.gofundme.com/nbkt93-the-charlotte-huggins-memorial

A man has been charged following the death of Charlotte Huggins. Michael Rolle, 34, of Pentworth House, Dulwich was charged with murder on Saturday, January 5. He was remanded in custody at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court for a plea hearing on February 1.

Photo: Charlotte Huggins with her daughter, Tianie