A fundraiser to pay for a headstone for the 12-year-old from High Wycombe who died following an incident at Bournemouth beach has raised over £3k in just three days.
Sunnah Khan, 12, tragically passed away following an incident in the water near Bournemouth Pier last Wednesday (May 31).
An inquest held at Bournemouth Town Hall heard the "suggestion" that Sunnah, alongside Joe Abbess, 17, from Southampton drowned after being caught in a riptide near the busy beach.
Sunnah's mother, Stephanie Williams, has described her daughter's death as "really difficult to accept", adding: "She was growing into a really funny and happy young woman. It's just so sad that she's gone."
A fundraising page was set up by the 12-year-old's friends and family members on Tuesday, June 6 to pay for her headstone and give her "the memorial she deserves".
The page, which describes Sunnah as "a wonderful daughter, sister, cousin, niece, friend and granddaughter" who "touched the lives of those around her and will be dearly missed by many" has so far raised £3,835, exceeding its original target of £3,000.
191 donations have been made towards the fundraiser by friends, relatives and strangers who have shared their condolences following the tragic incident.
Stephanie previously told the Bucks Free Press how "grateful" she was for the outpouring of love and support that has followed such an inconceivable experience for a parent to have to go through.
She also spoke about her desire to spread awareness about the dangers of swimming in the sea to prevent other families from going through the same thing.
On Wednesday I lost my beautiful daughter at Bournemouth beach. Sunnah was so well loved and well liked. No parent should ever have to go through what her dad and I are going through. We love you so much baby girl 💕 pic.twitter.com/Ekxgfr7FVF
— Stephanie Williams (@smw_rn) June 4, 2023
"We're just coming into the summer holidays and I would absolutely hate for this to happen to anyone else. It's such an awful way to lose somebody's life because you know that drowning is a really terrifying and painful experience.
"It shouldn't have happened. They were just swimming and they were only chest-high in the water. People need to be very aware of how dangerous the sea can be, even when you're in shallow water on a beach with lifeguards."
Click here to view and donate to the fundraiser now.
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