The anguished family of homeless Shelly Pollard, who tragically collapsed and died in Canterbury city centre, have spoken of their heartbreak and hopes of providing a fitting send-off.

Mum Sue of Merchants Way says her ‘lovely girl’ never recovered after her father shockingly collapsed and died in Dover town centre five years ago.

She said: “She was always a lovely girl with a nice personality - you could not wish for a better kid. I used to go down and sit with her a lot.

"I basically saw her died in front of me which was not very nice - I was praying and always thought she would get better and have her boys back that’s all I wished for.

"My husband died the same way Shelly did; - she never got over it .”

The 42-year-old lost her flat and then, shockingly, her boyfriend died which led her further into drug dependency and then onto the streets.

Shelly’s brother Steve says eldest son Charlie, 18, has barely left his room since hearing the news.

“He is very down - he wants a proper burial for somewhere to visit,” he said.

he tributes to Shelly, who died near the Eastbridge almshouse, have provided comfort.

“She has some lovely cards - when I was there lighting candles people came up to me and it was nice.

My grandson wants a burial- I have my funeral plan but nothing for Shelly - you don’t expect your daughter to go.”

To donate visit .gofundme.com