A fundraiser set up to help the family of a ‘murdered’ West Lothian girl has smashed its target in less than 24 hours.

The GoFundMe started by a close family friend of Hope Gordon, a six-year-old found dead next to her dad at a property on West Calder’s Harburn Drive on Monday, January 20.

A major emergency service response swarmed the street and gained access to the home where they tragically found the body of Hope and her 36-year-old dad Mark.

Police have since confirmed Hope’s death is being treated as murder and the death of her dad remains unexplained. However, they believe nobody else was involved and there is no threat to the wider public.

Melanie Wheeldon, a close family friend, started a fundraiser to contribute towards Hope’s funeral and described her as a “vibrant and loving little girl” with an “infectious smile.”

Melanie added how the hearts of friends and family were left shattered following the heartbreaking discovery and the void left by the loss “can never be filled.”

Over £5,000 has now been raised from over 350 donations as Melanie wrote: “On January 20th, 2025, our hearts shattered as we learned of the tragic and senseless murder of 6-year-old Hope. Hope was a vibrant and loving little girl, known for her infectious smile, kind spirit, and deep love for animals.

“Hope’s life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled. This GoFundMe page has been created to help Hope’s family with the unexpected funeral expenses during this incredibly difficult time.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser link with your friends and family to help spread the word.

“Let’s come together to honour Hope’s memory and offer support to her grieving family. May Hope’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you for your compassion and support.”

Hope’s local school, Toronto Primary School, also paid tribute to a “much-loved” pupil who had a “bright, bubbly and affectionate personality.”

Toronto Primary School Headteacher Fiona Linfoot said: “Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family, and will be hugely missed by all her friends and school staff.

“She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met. We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.

“We would ask everyone to respect the privacy of her family and the school community at this difficult time.

“Help and support is available to any of our pupils, or staff, affected by this tragic news.”

Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Hope’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy.

“The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.

“Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved.

“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with the police.”

To donate to the fundraiser you can do so here.

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