The family of a Lanarkshire mum who passed away suddenly are holding a fundraiser in her memory to send her son on a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland Paris.
Doting East Kilbride mum-of-three Hazel Lang tragically died from a bleed on the brain last February which is said to have been so severe it took her life within a matter of hours.
She was just 38 years old and left behind her three children Brooke, 21, Dylan, 16 and 14-year-old Josh.
In a bid to honour her memory and celebrate her 40th birthday, her mum Caroline is throwing a fundraiser at East Kilbride British Legion this Saturday, March 1.
The event is also to raise funds for East Park School in Glasgow’s Maryhill.
Hazel’s youngest son Josh has autism and is a full-time resident of the school which accommodates children with additional support needs.
The school is hoping to take some of the children to Disneyland Paris this year and Hazel’s family and friends are hoping to raise as much money as they can to help them along the way.
Caroline told Lanarkshire Live: “East Park was very close to Hazel’s heart as they have helped Josh so much and I know if she was here she would be wanting to do some fundraising for them.
“Josh has been there since he was eight. When he went there he couldn’t talk or communicate. Now he’s 14 and he talks and sings. We’re just amazed, they’ve just done us so proud, he’s came on so much with their help.
“They want to go to Disneyland Paris this year and Josh has never even been on a plane before so it will be exciting for him, it’s a once in a lifetime trip.
“It would have been Hazel’s 40th on March 4 so we’re doing a heavenly 40th birthday party charity night at the British Legion on March 1 to raise funds to get these kids to Disneyland because I know Hazel would have wanted that.”
Hazel died suddenly in her sleep on February 17, 2024 with her mum and sister Amy Crosbie leading tributes to a “bubbly” and “generous” soul.
Amy said at the time: “Hazel passed away so suddenly and so unexpected. She had no illness and had no symptoms before she went to bed. There was nothing anyone could do.
“Hazel was such a generous, bubbly, outgoing person who helped everyone in her life. She was the life and soul of the party and always the loudest in the room. She was a big character, a great person and a great mum who doted on her kids.
“It’s just so tragic. There will be a massive hole in our family forever.”
Commenting on the loss, Caroline added: “My phone never rings anymore. She was always talking on the phone.
“It’s been hard, Christmas was really hard. It’s still heartbreaking, you still think the phone is going to ring and you wake up and for a split second think she’s still here, that will never go away. Hazel’s death was a total shock to us all.
“She was a big character, always laughing with a very distinctive laugh. Things will never be the same again but we just want to keep her memory going and get Josh whatever he needs and wants.”
Over £1500 has been raised so far through a gofundme page and the family are asking local businesses to help with raffle prizes for the event.
Caroline added: “If anyone can donate or even give a prize that we can raffle please get in touch.
“Hazel was a lover of leopard print so we have leopard print tablecloths, napkins, plates – everything is leopard print. So that’s a nice wee tribute to her.
“Lots of family and friends will be there and anyone else who wants to come down is welcome.
“I’d like to thank our family and Hazel’s friends for all their help to make this charity night possible.”
The event starts at 7.30pm with a £5 donation being taken on the door.
Make a donation to the cause here.
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