Yahoo Finance Nikki Grahame death: Treatment fundraiser reactivated so fans can donate in her memory
Nikki Grahame
(Getty Images)A fundraiser for Nikki Grahame’s anorexia treatment has been reactivated following her death to raise money for her funeral and to help others battling eating disorders.
Nikki, who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2006, died on Friday aged 38 following a 30-year battle with anorexia.
Weeks before her death, friends and family set up a fundraiser to help pay for specialist treatment. It raised £65,000.
The money was used so Nikki could check into a private hospital last month after her eating disorder worsened in lockdown. She reportedly moved back to the family home shortly before her death.
Now the GoFundMe appeal has been reactivated.
A message on the site read: “We just wanted to let you know that we are turning donations back on for anyone that would like to make a donation in Nikki’s memory, as lots of people have been asking if they can still donate.
“An amount will be used for the funeral costs and the remaining funds will be used to go towards an organisation that helps those suffering with eating disorders, the crucial funding that has been lacking to help people in these awful situations has not been addressed, we will use this money to the best of our ability to try and stem this horrific, debilitating illness.”
The message continued: “We also would like to thank people who have sent private messages with lovely words about Nikki, she would be so thankful.”
News of the star’s tragic death was released at the weekend. A statement read: “It is with great sadness, we have to let you know that our dear friend Nikki passed away in the early hours of Friday 9th April.
“It breaks our hearts to know that someone who is so precious was taken from us at such a young age. Nikki not only touched the lives of millions of people, but also her friends and family who will miss her immensely.
“We would like to request privacy at this difficult time, while Nikki’s friends and family process the sad news.”
Nikki’s mother Sue Grahame told This Morning earlier this month that Nikki’s condition deteriorated after the gyms closed.
Previously, Grahame said lockdown had been “hellish” and had “floored” her daughter.
Big Brother presenter Davina McCall and former contestants Pete Bennett and Imogen Thomas are among those to have paid tribute to the star.
The GoFundMe page can be found here
For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk
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