Friends of car crash mum Makayla Lund organising fundraiser and balloon release

Kayleigh Todd, who went to school with Makayla, and another friend Nicole Readman will help to raise money to support the devastated families of Makayla, 25, who is in hospital in France, and her partner John Crompton, 31, who tragically lost his life in the horrific crash.

The Hartlepool family's two children Morgan Lund, aged nine, and Evie-Lily Crompton, who was just four, died in the accident which happened on a French motorway between Lyon and Dijon shortly after 7am on Sunday.

John and Makayla's youngest child, Kyle, aged two, remains seriously ill in hospital.

The community will come together to release dozens of white and purple balloons in memory of the children and John on Thursday afternoon at Barnard Grove Primary School, where Morgan and Evie-Lily attended.

Kayleigh, 27, who lives near Makayla and her family in King Oswy and has known the family for years, said: "I have cried for two days. The whole of King Oswy is in shock.

"I'm doing this fundraiser with Nicole to help raise money to pay for the funerals and also to preoccupy myself and keep my mind off what has happened."

Kayleigh and Nicole, 26, whose twin five-year-old sons Max and Morgan go to Barnard Grove school, have set up the Facebook page Thinking of Makayla and her Family which has been inundated with donations and offers of support.

Balloons are being donated by the bereaved parents charity 4 Louis, and Hartlepool businesses Cakes by Nemo and Reflections. Martin Middleton will provide a bouncy castle free with all proceeds going to the fund.

Kayleigh added: "There is lots of people wanting to help. A woman has made ribbons which she will be selling with the money going to the appeal. I would like to thank everybody for their help."

There will also be a tombola and children's characters in attendance. The event starts from 5pm and the balloons will be released at 6.15pm.

A statement released on behalf of the family said: "A devastating tragedy has left our family heartbroken forever. Our lives have been torn apart and will never be the same again.

"We have lost the heart of our family."

Family members are understood to be flying out to France today to be with Makayla and Kyle.

Kayleigh, a mum of two, whose eldest child Jack, five, is also at Barnard Grove, said: "I have spoken to Makayla's mam and she said Makayla was in a stable condition and she had spoken to her on the phone."

Kayleigh said Makayla, John and the children were a loving family adding: "Makayla absolutely doted on her kids. Her life was just about her kids and John."

Meanwhile, a fund on the Go Fund Me website to help and support Makayla and Kyle with their recovery has raised £6,750 so far.

Donate by going to https://www.gofundme.com/2tfvgskc