More than £8k raised in matter of hours for sons of Edinburgh mum Vikki Soloman
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Fundraising page dedicated to murdered Edinburgh mum
More than £8,000 has been raised for the children of Vikki Soloman who was killed during a ‘disturbance’ in Edinburgh last week.
One week after Ms Soloman, 44, succumbed to serious injuries she sustained during the incident at an East Craigs property, friend Karen Lennen has set up a fundraising page to help support her two young sons Reece and Jude.
In an emotional tribute to the popular aesthetician, Ms Lennen said the “devoted and amazing” mother had “dedicated her life to providing for her sons.”
She said: “Watching them grow into the wonderful young men they are today brought her immense joy and pride. To Vikki, the boys and everyone grieving: you will never walk alone.
“Her tragic passing has left an unimaginable void in their lives and placed an overwhelming burden on the boys as they try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.
“As they grieve the loss of their beloved mum, we want Reece and Jude to be surrounded by as much love and support as possible. We also want to do everything we can to help relieve the financial burden they now face.”
At the time of publication, the page had raised more than £8,542. The page said it will pass the donations to Ms Soloman’s family who will ensure that donations “make a real difference” to Reece and Jude.
Ms Lennen wrote: “Your donation will help provide them with stability and support for the future, giving them the opportunity to move forward and pursue their dreams.
“If you're unable to donate at this time, we completely understand. Sharing this page with your family, friends, and community would mean the world to us.
“Every donation and every share will make a real difference to Reece and Jude during this incredibly difficult time.”
Tributes to Ms Soloman have flooded in the days following her death. One friend – Jennie Jackson Robertson – called Vikki her “gorgeous best friend” as she paid tribute to her.
She said: “I can’t believe I’m writing this. My darling Vikki Soloman, my absolutely gorgeous best friend. I can’t get my head around this, you were the kindest human, the laughs and memories I will cherish forever, and I will miss you so much, until we meet again.”
The page was set up in the wake of Ms Soloman’s death in the East Craigs area of the city on Monday, July 20. Emergency services rushed to the scene of a brutal attack at around 8.45pm, but Ms Soloman was pronounced dead at the scene a short time after.
Police arrested and charged her ex-partner Lee Greenan later that day and the 46-year-old appeared in court on Thursday. He was expected to appear in court again later this week.
However, news broke on Sunday that Greenan had been found dead in his cell at HMP Edinburgh.
Police Scotland said that there were thought to be no suspicious circumstances around his death.
Greenan’s death drew anger from across the city. Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton – who had worked closely with Ms Soloman as new laws around the beauty industry passed through the Scottish Parliament – said that Ms Soloman’s family “may be denied answers about why Vikki was snatched from them at such a young age”.
To donate to the fundraiser, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/vikki-soloman