Mum and dad died suddenly, weeks apart, leaving daughters devastated

Nearly £36,000 has been raised for daughters who lost both parents within weeks of each other. Retired Royal Marine Lieutenant Colonel Gary Veacock died in January after a heart attack aged 56. He had only just retired from the Royal Marines after 38 years service. His wife Heidi then died at the start of March aged 58 after succumbing to neuroendocrine cancer. The couple from Exmouth, Devon, left daughters Amber and Mia behind. At the time of her father’s death, Amber said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Gary Veacock passed away quite unexpectedly on Monday, 12 January, with his beloved wife Heidi and daughters Amber and Mia by his side. "Gary was truly larger than life – full of love, laughter, and warmth. He was an incredible husband and an amazing dad, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. "Our hearts are broken, and we thank everyone for their love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time." Then in early March, Amber wrote: "We never imagined we would be sharing another message like this so soon after losing dad, but it is with great sadness that we let you know that Mum, Heidi Veacock, passed away at home on Sunday 1 March, with us by her side, after a long journey with neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid disease. "We are incredibly grateful for all the kindness and support we have received during this unbelievably difficult time. This year has completely turned our world upside down, and for now we are simply taking things one step at a time." Now, a fundraiser set up by family friend Damon Booth has raised £35,694. He said: "I am a family friend of the Veacock family and have set up this GoFundMe in memory of the kind and gentle Heidi and Gary Veacock on behalf of and for the benefit of their daughters, Amber Veacock and Mia Veacock. "Sadness poured from dark, clouded skies following Gary’s passing. Then, on the first day of spring, Heidi also sadly passed away. After they were reunited, the birds sang and the sun broke through. Their love and kindness live on through their wonderful daughters, Amber and Mia." The money will be used for ' the costs of arrangements and also allow them to do something special for themselves, spending the funds as they wish'. In an update he added: "Heidi and Gary are absolutely watching over their girls. The support has been incredible. It shows how loved and admired Gary and Heidi are and what a close community we are. "An invitation has been sent to set up the beneficiary so that the girls can access the funds. The fundraiser will stay open and I hope that the momentum keeps going - I have no doubt Heidi and Gary would be so proud of everyone who's reached out to help their girls."