Wells family appeals for help to lay mother beside her parents

By Laura Linham 26th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

A brother and sister are asking for help to give their mother a funeral where everyone who wishes to can say goodbye. Noah and Gabriella Tolley hope to lay Victoria Tolley to rest beside her parents at Greenfields Cemetery in Wells following her sudden death on 29 September.

The siblings say they have been left to arrange the funeral and burial but cannot cover the costs themselves. Noah is a university student who can work only part-time, while Gabriella is a full-time mother to two children.

Writing on their fundraising page, they said: "As many people have expressed an interest in paying their final respects to our mother, we are trying to raise funds for a funeral service so that everyone who wishes to can attend, say their goodbyes, and give Victoria the farewell she deserves. We also hope to have her laid to rest at Greenfields Cemetery alongside her mother and father, Lawson and Shirley Tolley."

The appeal has a £5,000 target and had raised £2,292 from 45 donations when checked on Monday, 26 October. The family has published a breakdown of anticipated costs totalling £4,948. gofundme.com

Funeral directors' fees, including professional services, a coffin and hearse, account for £3,025. A further £1,923 covers burial and cemetery charges, estimated church fees, orders of service and flowers.

Noah and Gabriella said they included the figures so supporters could see how donations would be used. Their aim is to bring people together to pay their respects and help their mother be buried alongside her parents.

They wrote: "Any amount, no matter how small, would mean so much to us and would help us give our mother the funeral and farewell she deserves."

The siblings also thanked those who had taken time to read their appeal and offer support. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page for Victoria Tolley's funeral.