Christmas saved for heartbroken family

A dying mum whose life savings were stolen by thugs can now afford a perfect final family Christmas – thanks to the ­kindness of strangers.
Michelle Goodhall, her daughter and husband.Michelle Goodhall, her daughter and husband.
Michelle Goodhall, her daughter and husband.

Michelle Goodhall, 35, was robbed of £7,000 she had put aside to cover her funeral costs when thieves broke into her home twice in two days.

Wheelchair-bound Michelle, who was viciously assaulted in the second raid, feared the theft would leave her family struggling financially for the rest of the short time they have together.

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But after hearing about her ordeal the National Federation of Funeral Directors vowed to cover the costs of her funeral.

Now she can afford a festive celebration to remember with husband John, 61, and daughters Nichola, 16, and Laura, 14. Michelle, who has been told she has just five months to live, said: “This has restored my faith in humanity.

“Christmas is about family memories, and we’ll need lots to help us through the hard times ahead.”

Michelle of Moorside Avenue, Dewsbury Moor, relies on oxygen tanks to breathe due to a rare lung condition. Funeral director William Eccleston, of Pontefract, persuaded the National Federation of Funeral Directors, of which he is a member, to step in and help. He said: “What these men did was appalling and the family have suffered enough.”

A 14-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man from Dewsbury have been arrested and released on bail by police investigating the October raids.