Lili Howells, 16, from Cardiff died suddenly after collapsing in her bedroom at home – her heartbroken friends are now raising money to support her family in the wake of the tragedy
Tributes have been paid to a “beautiful” teenager who took ill and died suddenly after laughing and joking in her bedroom. Lili Howells, a promising student at Radyr Comprehensive School, Cardiff was described as “full of life” and “deeply cherished”.
The 16-year-old collapsed at her home in Fairwater last week. At the time, no one knew what was wrong, but it was later discovered that she had suffered a brain haemorrhage, reports Wales Online.
Family friend Leah Wilson said: “Lili was full of life, she was so young, and so funny. She had a massive passion for horses – her horse Robin was her world.”
On Monday, January 26, Lili was texting Leah as usual in the afternoon, keeping her informed about their horses as she had been at the stables tending to them.
“She was amazing like that, she would always help out,” Leah said.
But a few hours later, Lili collapsed at home and was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales where they discovered she had suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Leah received a call from Mel, Lili’s mum, informing her that Lili was in hospital.
“I was told Lili was going into surgery, but that it was not looking good. I text back to ask if she meant to say Lili, because I couldn’t believe it, I’d only just spoken to her.”
Lili survived the operation, but the following day, Lili’s loved ones were brought into her hospital room to bid their final farewells.
On the Tuesday evening she had suffered another haemorrhage, and so went in for another operation. Following this procedure, medics knew her brain stem had perished.
Mel and Jay, Lili’s mum and dad, decided to donate Lili’s organs to seriously ill children who are awaiting life-saving transplants.. After donating her organs, Lili passed away on Friday, January 30.
Leah said: “Lili was loved deeply by everyone around her, and her family is heartbroken by this devastating loss.
“Lili, thank you for being the best friend to my Lilly and for loving the girls, we will love you forever.”
Leah is seeking to raise money to cover the cost of Lili’s funeral, to give her the “send off she deserves.” So far, almost £5,000 has been raised.
The page states: “Suddenly and sadly, last week, Lili suffered from a brain aneurysm and unexpectedly passed away on Friday at just 16 years old! Lili was loved deeply by everyone around her, and her family is heartbroken by this devastating loss.
“We would really love to help the family with funeral costs and to honor Lili’s love for horses by providing a horse and cart for her final journey. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly toward supporting the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Lili leaves behind parents Mel and Jay, siblings Ronnie and Rochelle, nephew Jenson, and boyfriend Hashim.