A heavily pregnant woman has had to take on the care of her sister’s baby after her sibling’s shock death weeks after giving birth.
Lorena Ferreira, 31, based in the UK, is looking after her young niece – while expecting her own child in just a few weeks.
Her sister, Mariana Ferreira, 29, is thought to have fallen from a flat near Putney, southwest London, on March 25, police say.
A probe has been opened but at this stage her death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.
Lorena, who has a husband, said: ‘It’s been really hard for me. She was my best friend and my only sister. My heart hurts so much. These days have been so difficult. Only my husband is working and we’ve been struggling.’
Lorena Ferreira (pictured left, with her sister Mariana, right), 31, originally from Brazil but now based in the UK, is looking after her young niece – while expecting her own child in just a few weeks
Lorena and Mariana moved to the UK five years ago and both picked up odd housekeeping jobs for work.
As well as being inseparable themselves, they also married brothers from the Brazilian city of Goiânia.
In November 2022, both found out they were pregnant at the same time – with Mariana three months further along. Sadly, Mariana died two months ago – just two weeks after giving birth.
Devastated Lorena has been left to look after the baby girl – and, unable to work, she now needs help.
Patricia Wilson, 37, previously employed Lorena. She has set up a fundraising page to support the soon-to-be mother.
Patricia said: ‘Lorena had been so excited for the birth of Mariana’s baby. I’d even seen photos of their baby shower – it looked like a really happy day.
‘I was getting into my car and I received a text from Lorena to tell me Mariana had died. I was breathless. My brain wouldn’t accept it, I just kept thinking: “No, this hasn’t happened. This can’t have happened”.’
In the days after Mariana’s death, Lorena told Patricia that she wouldn’t be able to work for her anymore.
Devastated Lorena has been left to look after the baby girl (pictured) – and, unable to work, she now needs help
Lorena and Mariana (pictured together) moved to the UK five years ago and both picked up odd housekeeping jobs for work
Patricia said: ‘She offered to try and find her own replacement, which is just a testament to how hardworking she is. I told her not to worry at all.’
After hearing about Mariana’s death, Patricia informed a network of people who also employed Lorena – and a group of them banded together to donate her some toys and equipment for her new babies.
Patricia said: ‘We contacted a mum’s WhatsApp group and, in the end, we filled one car with donations – including a really nice buggy, clothes, toys and a baby carrier.
‘We drove to see Lorena with the donations and it was incredibly moving. She was, obviously, distraught. She really is such a gentle woman, she was crying and so were we – it was such an emotional time.’
Feeling inspired by how much others wanted to help, Patricia decided to start a small crowdfund to help with Lorena’s childcare costs in any way she could.
She initially set up a JustGiving page with a target of £2,000.
She said: ‘I wanted to be able to do something else. I decided to create this fundraiser. I initially set a £2,000 goal because I just wanted to reach other mothers who might be touched by this story.
In November 2022, both found out they were pregnant at the same time – with Mariana (pictured whilst pregnant) three months further along. Sadly, Mariana died two months ago – just two weeks after giving birth
‘But it really picked up quickly, and seemed to strike a chord with how difficult those early days can be for first-time mums.
‘It’s impossible to wrap your head around it – within the space of weeks, this woman has lost her sister, who was also her best friend, and is now having to look after her two-month-old niece while expecting her own baby.
‘Lorena was so touched by the gesture, and believes this money is really going to help.
‘They came all the way from Brazil, and hopefully this money will allow Lorena some breathing space, and comfort in knowing a lot of her childcare costs are now taken care of.
‘This was a household of four people all working – but since Mariana’s death, her husband and sister have given up work. Now, the only person with a regular income is Lorena’s husband.’
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 17:00hrs on Saturday, 25 March to reports of a woman fallen from a flat on Keevil Drive, SW19.
‘Emergency services attended and immediately provided first aid. Despite their efforts, the woman – believed to be aged in her late 20s – died at the scene. Her family has been informed.
‘The death is being treated as unexpected but at this early stage is not thought to be suspicious.’
The fundraising page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helplorenaandfam
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