More than £7,000 has been raised for the family of a much-loved local woman who died suddenly at just 32, leaving behind two young children and her devastated partner.
Lauren Rawlinson, who attended Prince Avenue Primary School in Southend and The King Edmund School in Rochford, died unexpectedly on 3 October 2026.
The mum-of-two leaves behind her son Ethan, 11, daughter Freya and partner Carl Stead.
A GoFundMe appeal originally launched with a £2,500 target has now raised more than £7,000, as friends, family and supporters rally around her loved ones.
The response comes as Lauren’s partner, brother, sister and friends have shared emotional tributes, remembering her as a devoted mum whose kindness, humour and personality touched many lives.
The loss is particularly heartbreaking for Ethan, whose father, Bob, died in a motorcycle accident when Ethan was just 22 months old.
Partner’s heartbreaking promise to Lauren and their children
Lauren’s partner, Carl Stead, has shared a tribute to the woman he described as the love of his life, explaining how their children are giving him strength.
Carl wrote: “To Lauren, the mother of my children and the love of my life.”
Reflecting on the future they had imagined together, he said: “Of all the scenarios we spoke about growing old together this one was never one we had planned for”
Carl explained that seeing parts of Lauren in the children was helping him through each day. He wrote: “Life without you seems absolutely impossible right now but when I look at the kids and see that little bit of you in them. It’s been giving me the strength to get through each day.”
Carl also spoke about the love Lauren had brought into his life and the lives of others, saying she had taught him what love meant. He promised: “My promise to you is that I will do my absolute best to give ethan and Freya the best life I possibly can in the hopes that you will be smiling up there.”
Carl ended his tribute: “Sleep tight my beautiful angel. I can’t wait to see you again. Love you forever and always Carl, and your babies Ethan and Freya.”
Brother promises to protect Lauren’s children
Lauren’s brother, Travis Osborne, also shared a personal tribute, remembering his sister’s personality and their bond.
He wrote: “I tell you what was never tiny, the light you brought into to every room, the energy that you brought to every conversation and most definitely that sassy attitude of yours that made you who you are.”
Travis recalled how excited Lauren had been to call him her brother, and memories of the pair singing and dancing together on nights out. He said he would make sure his son Parker grew up knowing what a caring auntie Lauren had been.
Travis also promised to help care for Lauren’s children and support their wider family. “I will help protect and care for your kids and keep them safe the best I can, I will try my best to be a better brother to our siblings because I know you’d want that and of course I will always hold dad a little tighter for you.”
He ended: “I love you Lauren forever and always, sleep tight!”
In a separate message, Travis thanked people who had shared memories and condolences: “Knowing how many people’s lives my sisters kind and caring soul touched is just beautiful. This means so much to our family.”
Sister remembers daily chats and voice messages
Lauren’s sister, Chloe Rawlinson, described the everyday moments she will miss most. Chloe thanked Lauren for always being by her side and for her love, care and support.
She wrote: “I’m going to be so lost without you, and I still can’t get my head around the fact that I can’t call you for our daily chats or listen to your three-minute-long voice notes.”
Chloe also promised to support Lauren’s children: “Give Mummy a big kiss and cuddle from me. Don’t worry, I’ll support Ethan and Freya until the day I can’t.” She added: “I hope I can carry on and make you proud. Enjoy your peaceful life, and have fun making memories with Mummy.”
Friend promises Lauren’s children will know how much she loved them
Jade Gilbert reflected on Lauren’s devotion to her children and the memories she created with them. Jade wrote: “Lauren, you’ve been an incredible mum, always giving your children 100%, giving them so much love and creating memories with them that they’ll carry with them forever.”
Jade also recalled the death of Ethan’s father, Bob, and the promise loved ones had made to ensure Ethan grew up knowing about his dad.
She wrote: “When Bob passed away, we all promised that we would make sure he was always spoken about, and that Ethan would grow up knowing just how amazing his dad was.”
She said they would make the same promise to Lauren’s children: “And now, heartbreakingly, we make that same promise to your babies…that they will always know just how much their mum loved them, and that you will live on in them every single day.”
Friends remember Lauren’s bubbly personality and kindness
Other friends have also shared memories of Lauren’s humour, kindness and fun-loving personality.
Ellie-Ashleigh Florence described her shock at learning of Lauren’s death on Facebook. She wrote: “Lauren was such a beautiful girl inside out, Lauren never failed to make us laugh, she was the most bubbly fun caring and understanding person you’d ever come across.”
Danniella Smile wrote: “Lauren was such a bubbly, fun and caring character. She will be greatly missed by everyone.”
Natalie Meakin described Lauren’s passing as “The saddest and most tragic loss of a beautiful person”.
Fundraiser soars past original £2,500 target
The Little Lauren GoFundMe appeal was organised by Lauren’s friend Gemma Saunders to support Carl, Ethan and Freya.
Originally launched with a target of £2,500, the fundraiser has now passed £7,000. Gemma described Lauren as “a truly gorgeous and genuine person, inside and out.”
She said: “She was an amazing mum, a ride or die partner to Carl, a brilliant friend, and one of the kindest, most genuine souls you could ever be lucky enough to meet.”
Gemma added: “She was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and her loss is simply heartbreaking.”
The money raised is intended to support Lauren’s family following her death.