Grieving couple left in the red

A heartbroken couple who lost their baby daughter suddenly have been left in debt.
Little Lucy Barlow, who died the day before turning four months oldLittle Lucy Barlow, who died the day before turning four months old
Little Lucy Barlow, who died the day before turning four months old

George and Lorraine Barlow raised £200 for a limousine and flowers for three-month-old Lucy’s funeral on Thursday thanks to kind-hearted Gazette readers who donated to their online appeal.

But delays in the money being released to the couple by website Gofundme meant the couple was unable to fork out for their daughter’s farewell at Carleton Crematorium.

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George, 54, said: “It has been the most horrific time for us and this has been so stressful.

“We sent off our bank details on Friday. They told us it would be sent through and it could take 24 hours but we’re still waiting. It’s frustrating because it’s not our money; it’s money that has come in from people who have donated for Lucy. We couldn’t even pay for flowers. I’m gutted.It’s not about me or my wife. It’s about our baby.”

Luckily for the couple, who live in a flat at Northmount Apartments, Gynn Square, Blackpool, funeral companyy Box Bros agreed to let them pay their fee after the money raised on Gofundme is released to them.

The pair owe a further £50 to a friend for the flowers on Lucy’s coffin.

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Tiny Lucy was found lifeless in her cot on April 3, when Lorraine, 40, said she asked George to check on her when they woke up.

George’s daughter Charlene Errington, 34, who travelled from Bolton to attend the funeral, said: “I just feel terrible for them. I’ve never heard my dad cry as much as he has over Lucy.

“I think we will get the money through but I can’t believe it’s taking so long at such a horrible time of somebody’s life.”

A Gofundme spokesman said: “Our payment processor needs to verify that the account on file belongs to the account holder.

“We’re in touch with the family and funds will be released as soon as possible.”

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