DOZENS of generous people have donated money to ensure the five children of a loving mum who died suddenly have something to smile about this Christmas.

The County Gazette reported last week how the family of Emma Graham, 40, of Buckland Road, Taunton, were left in shock after she died from a brain aneurism. 

Emma's family and friends will pay their respects tomorrow afternoon at her funeral at Taunton Deane Crematorium. 

We reported last week how Emma's partner of 15 years, Wayne Guns, had said her death had come without warning, and that she had been looking forward to Christmas, which was her favourite time of the year. 

Wayne's cousin Kelly Graham decided following the tragedy that she wanted to do something for Emma's five children - Sian, Ellie, Charlotte and twins Jack and Chloe. 

She set up a Just Giving page last Thursday, hoping to raise £500 to help buy the children presents. 

It wasn't long before donations from more than two dozen people, including friends and family but also several complete strangers, had sent the total well beyond that target, and by this morning £770 had been pledged. 

Kelly is now hoping to raise £1,000, so that £200 can be spent on each child. 

She told the County Gazette how the fundraising process was providing some comfort during the process of grieving for Emma. 

She said: “Emma was an amazingly lovely person. I never saw her in a bad mood; she was so lovely and so calm with her kids.

“The kids are finding it hard and so is Wayne, but I think he is touched by all the support he has received and all the kind messages for Emma. 

“I know they are going through a really hard time and for me, too, it's still a massive shock. 

“Focusing on the fundraising has helped as every time I see a pledge come in it takes my mind off what's happened.”

People can donate here