Great Harwood: GoFundMe launched after Audrey Chawner dies

Audrey Chawner "died peacefully in her sleep” on Monday, January 15 and her daughter, Emma, has launched a fundraiser to help with funeral costs.

Audrey and her family rose to fame in 2007, when Emma failed to impress judges with a rendition of My Heart Will Go On.

Audrey Chawner with daughter, Emma (Image: Emma Chawner)

Her mum supported her at the audition and infamously went into the audition room to chastise judges for their negative comments.

Emma later returned to the X Factor stage with her sister.

The Chawners on Lorraine Kelly’s Big Fat Challenge. Audrey is top left. (Image: ITV)

In 2010 Audrey and her family also appeared in a documentary series called Lorraine Kelly’s Big Fat Challenge. 

On the show, Lorraine helped them to tackle their unhealthy habits and help them to lose weight.

This is after the family, who used to live in Ramsbottom, was branded ‘The Telly Tubbies’ by the tabloids after claiming benefits on the basis that they were too fat to work.

Audrey Chawner with dog, Ruby (Image: Emma Chawner)

The family also appeared on Jeremy Kyle in 2015, after Emma accused Audrey of abandoning them.

Speaking about her fundraiser, Emma said: “My mum passed away on Monday, January 15.

“She died peacefully in her sleep in hospital my mum was lovely caring respectful lady and I miss so much.

“I would appreciate any help towards her funeral because at time it's really hard for me and my dad to pay for it.

“I really want my mum to have a good send off any amount of money would be greatly appreciated thank you all so much.”

Emma told the Lancashire Telegraph that Audrey was a "lovely lady".

Audrey Chawner (Image: Emma Chawner)

She said: "She loved her TV programmes and animals and loved a good laugh.

"Her favourite TV programme were Emmerdale and Eastenders.

"I'm going to miss her so much."

You can find the fundraiser on the GoFundMe website.