Balloon release and minute silence to be held in memory of Sunderland mum who died in her sleep aged 39

Sam Murphy was 39 when she died peacefully in her sleep.

A balloon release is to be held on the city’s Red House estate in memory of a 39-year-old Sunderland mum after she sadly died in her sleep.

Sam Murphy, who was born and bred on the city’s Red House estate, was devoted to her children and helping others, described by her friends as “a well known happy hour lucky girl, always smiling, caring and loving towards her community.”

Those she grew up and lived close to are working to support her children Ellis Golightly, 20, and Ethan Golightly, 16, as they begin to come to terms with their loss as they share the message: “Always and forever Mam, you diamond.”

A balloon release, minute silence and clap in memory of the mum is to go ahead today, Saturday, June 5 at 6.30pm at Pulp Kitchen deli, off Ramillies Road.

Sam Murphy pictured with daughter Ellis and her former partner Paul Levit.

Jolene Casey, who runs the deli has launched the event after working with other kind-hearted people from the estate to set up a fund to help cover costs for the family.

She said: “For me, it’s the community spirit, the whole community has been devastated by this and for her children and her family.

"We put a tin on the counter and it had £50 in it within the hour, everybody’s just been doing what they can.

"We want to help the family.”

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Manor House Funerals is also covering the cost of her service after Sam died peacefully in her sleep.

Sam’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 15, at 12.30pm at Sunderland Crematorium, with people welcome to turn out on the estate to help celebrate her life as she leaves the family home, with her children saying: “She was so loved by many and it would be warming for her and us to see that.”

She will have a white coffin, which she had said she wanted to show off her tan, and people have been asked to wear touches of red or blue.

Deli owner, Jolene says anyone who would like to celebrate Sam’s life is welcome to join the balloon release event later today which will begin at 6.30pm from Pulp Kitchen deli, off Ramillies Road.

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