A lawyer from Muswell Hill has set up a Just Giving page to provide financial support for the two sons of her late nanny

After her nanny passed away suddenly just over a week ago, a mother from Muswell Hill has pledged to do what she can to make sure her two teenage sons left behind are properly looked after.

Belinda Goldman, 48, hired Cristina Goran to work as a live-in housekeeper almost three years ago.

The pair became friends immediately and Mrs Goldman helped Cristina bring her two boys to the UK from her native Romania.

Mrs Goldman described the “lovely” Cristina as being like a big sister to her own young children and the two shared many happy times together as she worked from home as an employment lawyer.

However, that all changed on November 23 when she was woken in the night by calls from Cristina who was writhing in pain on the floor outside Mrs Goldman’s bedroom.

She had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and died at the age of just 38 last week.

Now, in a tragic role-reversal, Mrs Goldman is picking up the mantle to provide for the two teenage boys Cristina left behind.

She has decided to launch a Just Giving page to offer financial, as well as emotional, support for Adrian, 16, and 15-year-old Alex.

Having only started her campaign eight days ago, Mrs Goldman has been bowled over by the sheer number of donations which has soared past her original £1,000 goal and reached a lofty £3,560 thanks to 95 supporters.

“I have been so touched by people who have donated who do not even know me, who we have never even met,” she added.

“I think the story has touched a lot of people because she [Cristina] was young and because she sacrificed so much for her kids.”

The funds raised by generous friends and strangers alike will be used to help Adrian learn to drive once he turns 17, along with a games console for Alex.

The rest will be held in trust.

“I have told them that, forever, if they ever want emotional support – or any other support – we’ll be here,” Mrs Goldman continued.

“They are her kids and she meant an awful lot. She was not just an employee.”

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/forcristinasboys