A crowdfunding initiative has been set up to cover the burial costs of a woman who died in what police describe as a knife attack last month.
The campaign comes after Charlene Dowsell, aged 41, was repeatedly stabbed in the early hours of this past Saturday, July 18.
Her oldest offspring, Whitney Dowsell, who is 25, is now managing the appeal to pay for funeral arrangements following the unexpected death.
In a statement, relatives said their family was utterly devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of a beloved daughter, mother, sister, granddaughter and grandmother. They noted she touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
At just 41 years old, her life was cut tragically short. She had so much more living ahead of her. Whitney described her mother as a wonderful parent to all four of her children, adding that every sibling was deeply cherished by her.
Whitney explained the family has been left devastated and that as the eldest, she now holds responsibility as next of kin for her younger brothers and sisters, aged five, ten and twenty.
Whitney stated the family remains in disbelief, struggling to accept that their mother was taken at such a young age. She asked how this could have happened, noting her mother possessed the kindest heart and was known for her constant jokes, her radiant smile and her ability to find the positive in any circumstance, always putting others before herself.
Whitney described how her mother ensured her children always had wonderful celebrations, including luxury transport for parties, along with fashionable footwear and garments.
Whitney said she would always feel honoured that her mother, who wanted it to be her own responsibility rather than that of her foster carer’s, would commute across two different bus routes from Bettws to Corpa to ensure she arrived at school punctually. She added that no one could have predicted the path her mother would eventually take, yet she had managed to build lovely homes, maintained an attractive appearance when she wished to and simply made her presence known.
Whitney revealed that six years ago, her mother fell into difficult circumstances. She said her mother battled personal struggles for a considerable time and veered off course half a decade ago. The family made tremendous efforts to guide her back towards stability.
Tragically, she never managed to achieve sobriety for the sake of her children and grandchildren.
The family is reaching out to the local community for assistance with funeral costs and additional expenses.
Whitney said they were appealing for community backing to give their wonderful mother the farewell she deserved. They were confronting the considerable costs of funeral arrangements alongside numerous unanticipated expenditures. Given that her mother’s passing shocked everyone who knew and cared for her, any contribution, regardless of size, would hold immense meaning for the family. She also encouraged those unable to give financially to share the appeal instead.
Whitney expressed that she hoped her mother had found peace. She knew she herself had, finding comfort in knowing her mother was no longer experiencing hardship in this world. She simply wished for one final embrace.
She added that until they reunited, she would protect her mother’s children, with love from her firstborn.
Man charged with murder
Albert Williams, who is 66 and resides on Ruperra Street in Newport, has been charged with killing Charlene Dowsell, aged 41, in the city during the early hours of Saturday, July 18.
The defendant entered an appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, July 21.
He declined to enter a plea and is scheduled to return to the same court on August 20 for a plea hearing and case preparation.
A provisional date of January 4 next year has been set for the trial.
Williams was held in custody pending further proceedings.
He faced a murder charge after the alleged stabbing occurred on St Vincent Road close to Rodney Parade, the stadium shared by Dragons RFC rugby club and Newport County football club.
During an initial inquest hearing, a post-mortem examination was performed and medical experts have provisionally identified the cause of death as a stab wound to the left side of the back, which damaged the lower section of the left lung, the left dome of the diaphragm, the stomach and the left portion of the liver.