A FAMILY have been left heartbroken after a body was found in the search for a “devoted” mum-of-three who went missing a week ago.
Kate Sparks was discovered off St Margaret’s Bay in Kent, earlier this month after struggling with her mental health.
Kate Sparks, from Deal, was discovered off St Margarets Bay earlier this month after struggling with her mental health[/caption]
The 45-year-old has been described as a loving person[/caption]
Her friends are now trying to support her three kids left without a mum as well as a hefty financial burden[/caption]
Kate left behind three children who are not only devastated but are trying to cover the costs of her funeral.
A fundraising page has been set up to help Callum, 24, who has autism, Shannon, 23, and Brandon, 20.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
Kate’s long-term friend, Hayley Shaw, says everyone who knew her is “struggling to cope with it”.
Hayley continued: “It’s just a devastating loss.
“She was absolutely devoted to her children. Her children were her life.
“They have been thrown into an unimaginable situation that no children should ever have to go through.”
Hayley said that heartbroken daughter, Shannon, has been unable to take any paid time off work as she is working on a zero-hour contract.
She added: “Shannon was about to start her second year at the University of Kent just this week.
“And she’s now been put into a situation where she’s thinking does she have to take some time out.”
Hayley met Kate 20 years ago when their children attended the same primary school.
And she could not speak more highly about the impact Kate made on her life with her “heart of gold”.
Hayley continued: “If we had problems, she would always help us, even though she had her own issues going on.
“She was just a very supportive friend. She was a loving, dedicated person with a heart of gold and would just do absolutely anything for anyone.”
The mum-of-two has since set up a fundraiser to raise money for Ms Sparks’ family, with a target of £4,500, as she did not have life insurance.
This will help pay for her funeral as well as living costs, including rent, bills, and daily necessities.
Tributes have since poured in for the mum after the tragedy.
One person said: “We miss you and love you always. Forever in our hearts.”
Another wrote: “Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts dear. Greatly loved, deeply missed.”
And a third said: “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.”
The page states: “Tragically, Kate was taken from us far too soon in heartbreaking circumstances.
“Kate’s children now face the daunting challenge of raising funds for their mother’s funeral.
“Losing a mother at such a young, impressionable and delicate age is already incredibly difficult, and the added pressure of covering funeral costs is overwhelming.
“This is our opportunity to show Kate’s family that they are not alone and that we stand by them in their time of need.
“Please remember, no donation is too small, and every donation makes a difference.”
