The organiser of a fundraiser set up in memory of a teenager killed by a dog in Bristol said she has been “blown away” by the kindness of strangers after the appeal raised nearly £8,000. Morgan Dorsett was killed by an XL bully dog while she was staying with her cousin in Withywood, South Bristol, late last month.
A fundraiser on the GoFundMe website has been set up by Sharon Harris, who said she is organising it on behalf of Matthew Travis. In a tribute to the 19-year-old, Sharon said she wanted to help the family pay for Morgan’s funeral so they didn’t have to worry about covering the costs, giving them space to grieve properly.
Describing Morgan as “one of the blonde bombshells”, Sharon said: “She was strong, kind and so full of life. The tragedy of losing a loved one is painful, that pain must be unimaginable when you lose someone so young and in such a tragic way.”
She added: “Morgan was a truly beautiful girl. One of the ‘blonde bombshells’. She was strong, kind, and so full of life.”
Morgan was from the small town of Minsterley in Shropshire. Sharon said everyone in the community will feel Morgan’s loss. “I cannot find the words that are going to comfort her family, but I need to feel that I am doing something,” she said. “The loss will be felt by all who knew her, and no more than in our close community.
“The family will have not just their grief to deal with but practicalities too. I wanted to lighten that burden in some way.
“I think we can all show our love for such a beautiful girl by giving a small amount to help cover some of the financial burdens this family will undoubtedly face. Anything raised will be for the family to use to cover funeral and memorial costs. Allow the family time to grieve, covering essential bills while they take time from work, anything they need.”
Morgan had reportedly recently moved to London, and it is understood she was visiting Bristol when the tragic incident happened. It was reported that Morgan, who suffered from epilepsy, had a seizure, which triggered the dog to attack her on the evening of February 26. A man and a woman arrested after the attack have since been released under police investigation.
Hundreds have already donated to the fundraiser, raising almost £8,000. Sharon said this would “make such a big difference” to Morgan’s family.
“The original target has been smashed,” she said. “Thanks to all your kind and generous donations. Let’s keep sharing, this will make such a big difference to the family at this tragic time. Not to have to worry about any financial burden will allow them to process and grieve in their own way and time.
“I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the donations received so far. I am blown away by the absolute kindness that has been given.
“This demonstrates the love that people have for each other, not just those we know but for those in our wider community too, for Morgan and her family. The donations will help give the family some breathing space during this awful time.”