THOUSANDS of people have pledged support for a mum who has died alone, struggling to keep warm after allegedly losing her benefits.

A community fundraising page has been flooded with donations for the family of Elaine Morrall, from Runcorn.

It follows an agonising plea to a Halton councillor by her heartbroken mum Linda, who says her daughter had been in intensive care yet had her benefits stopped numerous times.

In a letter posted on social media, Linda said: “My daughter lived in Boston Avenue. She died on the afternoon of 2 November 2017 at home on her own.

“She was 38. In the cold with her coat and scarf on because she wouldn’t put her heating on until her kids came home from school.

“Was in and out of hospital in recent months in intensive care but was not deemed ill enough for employment and support allowance.

“No income but expected to pay full rent.”

Linda said her daughter had no income but was expected to pay full rent and was being taken to court.

She added: “How many people have got to die before this government realises they are killing vulnerable people?

“How many kids are going to lose a parent?”

Single mum Rebecca Wolfe does not know the family but was so moved by the tragedy she launched a go fund me page.

The 40-year-old mum-of-two, who cares for her autistic son, said: “It upset me so much thinking about this woman’s children.

“It struck a chord with me. When I was a lot younger I was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

“ My children were only young and every waking moment I was worried about who was going to look after them. That was my worse nightmare.

“You can give your sympathies, prayers and thoughts but that doesn’t help the family.

"I just want this woman to know that we are trying to help in a small way.

“I didn’t expect anyone to donate but it’s gone massive.”

This is Linda’s letter posted on social media:

Forgive me if this is not your constituency. Please forward to the correct person if not & let me know who it should be.

My daughter lived in Boston ave. She died on the afternoon of 2 November 2017 at home on her own. She was 38yrs.

In the cold with her coat & scarf on. Because she wouldn't put her heating on until her kids came home from school. Why ?? Because she couldn't afford it.

Because she was severely depressed. Suffered from eating disorder & many other problems for many years.

Mainly due to authoritarians of 1 form or another. I can give you details. Was in & out of hospital in recent months in intensive care.

But was deemed not ill enough for esa. Had her benefits stopped numerous times, which in turn stopped her housing benefit.

No income but expected to be able to pay full rent. Was told being in intensive care was not sufficient reason for failing to attend a universal credit interview.

I went to the job centre to inform them them that she couldn't attend. But benefits stopped again.

Uncaring housing taking her to court. She's due to go to court on monday. Is being dead now enough reason. Is that what's had to happen to prove she was ill??

How many people have got to die before this government realises they are killing vulnerable people??

What are you and your fellow councillors going to do to protect your constituents??

Linda Morrall

Broken hearted mother

The harrowing story has touched the hearts of hundreds of wellwishers.

Mary Render said: “This is heartbreaking. It’s beyond belief in a so called rich nation such as ours.We all need to hang our heads in shame.”

Trish Clemit said: “This is the saddest thing I have read in a long time. This is horrific.”

Lauren Hughes added: “This is utterly disgraceful and inhumane.”

Jayne Sheridan said: “Nearly crying reading this. Disgusting shouldn’t be allowed to get away with this any longer.”

Halton MP Derek Twigg said: “It is a very tragic case and I am providing assistance to my constituent.”

Jonathan Horsfall, Halton Housing Trust debt recovery manager said: “We always follow strict procedures around arrears. We strive to find solutions with our customers and have intensive support workers who enable us to do so where possible.

“Our support services are on offer to those who we know are in arrears, and are always reached out to for support.

“If customers are concerned about arrears we always encourage anyone to get in touch with us as early as possible in the arrears process so we can do all we can to help.”

A DWP spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Morrall’s family at this difficult time.

“We understand that people can’t always attend appointments, which is why we will re-arrange alternative times.

“Assessment decisions are made with consideration of all the information provided, including supporting evidence from a GP or medical specialist. Anyone who disagrees with a decision can appeal."

Halton Council has been asked for a comment.

To donate visit gofundme.com/in-memory-of-ms-morall