Family of Lily Whitehouse hit out at fraud fundraisers ‘using her death’ for cash

The family of a teenage mother found dead in the street have hit out at fake crowdfunders trying to exploit the death of their ‘beautiful’ girl.

Lily Whitehouse, 19, was found with multiple fatal injuries in Park Street, Oldbury, at around 9.50pm on Wednesday.

The mother of a young baby was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Mohammed Azim, 41, remains in police custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on December 16.

Within hours of Lily being named locally as the victim, one fundraiser using her Facebook profile picture appeared on social media claiming to be raising money for Lily’s father.

The user, giving their name as Lily Smith — who the family have never heard of — replied to Metro’s questions saying: ‘This is legitimate mate, I promise, I’m a nurse [sic].’

They then provided an address at a housing association property in Cannock, on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.

Lily’s family had been ‘fighting’ to get GoFundMe to close it down after it raised £660.

One of Lily’s cousins told Metro: ‘Obviously that’s a fraudulent one, and what I don’t want is people to donate to somebody who is essentially using Lily for money. She is a random, anonymous woman who none of us has heard of.

‘Some innocent people have been really, really generous with donating — people who don’t even know Lily. They might not want to donate.

‘And obviously, it’s really stressing us out. It’s really stressing out Lily’s dad.’

Hours later, the GoFundMe was unlisted, with a message reading: ‘This fundraiser is no longer accepting donations.’ It is believed the protected donations will now be refunded.

Lily’s aunt, Cleo Eden, has now set up a new fundraiser, with any excess money going to a trust fund for Lily’s baby.

A statement read: ‘Lily was full of light, laughter, and kindness. She had so many dreams ahead of her, and our hearts are shattered knowing her life was cruelly taken by another person.

‘As we face this unbearable loss, we are also working toward getting justice for Lily, ensuring her memory is honoured with dignity and love.

‘We are creating this fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, giving Lily the farewell she deserves.

‘Any funds remaining after these costs will be placed into a trust fund for her baby, to support her when she is older and ensure Lily’s love continues to guide and care for her child in the years to come.

She added: ‘There is another GoFundMe page in Lily’s name, but we are unsure of its legitimacy at this time. Please know that this is the only official fundraiser created by her family.

‘If anyone has already donated to the other page, we urge you to make enquiries with GoFundMe about its legitimacy.

‘Thank you for standing with us during this heartbreaking chapter.’

It came after Lily’s cousin Katie Whitehouse paid tribute to her on Facebook, saying: ‘To me, she will always be my “Lil Bil”.

‘My baby cousin, my sister, my forever.

‘She is part of me and always will be. I will love you forever, Lily. Your story isn’t over … we will fight for the justice you deserve.’

She added: ‘Our hearts will forever be broken.’

Relative Leon Whitehouse said he was ‘devastated’ by her death. He posted on Facebook: ‘God bless you. Love you. RIP angel.’

Her childhood best friend, Millie, posted an emotional video of them playing on a trampoline as little girls.In a post, she asked: ‘How cruel can this world be?

‘You lit up every single room you stepped in, and there was never a dull moment with you around, my Lil.

‘You were the sister I never had. I’ve never felt pain like this.’

To donate to Lily Whitehouse’s official GoFundMe click here.

GoFundMe have been approached for comment.