The hardest goodbye of our lives
In March, our dad took his own life. He could no longer see a way out after falling victim to several scams and manipulative fraud schemes. For us, the nightmare does not end with his death: the fraud did not only cost a life, but also destroyed my mum’s entire financial security.
We had to disclaim the inheritance to avoid being buried under a mountain of debt. Now mum stands before the ruins of her shared life with my father. She has no savings left, her pension barely covers the rent, and she is dependent on state support. Around 16,000 in unmerited costs now fall on her shoulders: funeral and burial costs (about 3,000), legal fees (about 3,000), and open claims from unpaid professional fees of my father (about 10,000), which is why she is currently being sued. What else might still come our way, we do not yet know.
We, her children, want to give her security. This project collects donations for her, to ease her existential fears and pay the most urgent bills. At the same time, we hope that through this story we can also raise awareness – for the devastating consequences of scamming and fraud, as well as for the deep, personal impact on those left behind who often stand alone with the aftermath.
An unmerited burden
Mum spent decades living and working for her family. That she now, in old age, loses everything due to criminals and the tragic loss of her husband, breaks our hearts. She bears no guilt in this fate – she has lost a loved one and, at the same time, the ground beneath her feet. We are trying everything within our power, but we cannot carry this burden alone.
Why we need your help
By disclaiming the inheritance, we were personally protected from the debt pile. Yet the associated costs now fall on mum. Her pension barely covers the rent, and other fixed costs such as the funeral, legal fees, and open claims are beyond what she can manage alone. We are collecting 16,000 to alleviate this immediate hardship:
• Funeral costs: Despite disclaiming the inheritance, mum still has to pay for the funeral (about 3,000).
• Open claims: Because of my father’s unpaid fees, she is being sued and has to appear in court. Legal costs and further payments add to the burden (about 10,000).
• Legal protection: She urgently needs legal support to defend herself against the creditors who are now pressing her (about 3,000).
If we reach this goal, we would like to give her a small, simple relief in her everyday life - including a small, basic car, so she can stay mobile in the village and manage her daily routine more easily (about 3,000). Any additional amounts collected will support her basic living expenses and form a small buffer for rent and utilities.
Every franc is a sign that she is not alone. Every contribution helps us take the fear out of her letterbox and gives her the space she so desperately needs for her grief - and to find her footing again. Your support therefore not only contributes to her financial relief, but also helps make this often‑ignored topic more visible and brings the consequences for those affected more clearly into public awareness.
Be part of our story of hope - share, support, and help us ease mum’s existential fears.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every donation, every share, and every word of sympathy.
