Fundraising in memory of amazing woman

Gabrielle Koornneef, left, and sister Alana Koornneef.

A fundraising campaign is underway to raise money for a memorial seat in memory of Kapiti woman Gabrielle Koornneef.

Gabrielle, 27, who had cerebral palsy, passed away in July.

Gabrielle's sister Alana Koornneef came up with the memorial seat idea which would enable people to "sit and take time to remember our angel".

Alana hoped the seat could be positioned by the beach, but if that couldn't happen, near a park especially as Gabrielle loved seeing children play.

Alana has been in contact with the council and has been advised of two options for a seat, the cheapest one is $2000 which includes a plaque, and the other is $2500 with a plaque.

She has created a page on the Givealittle website and hopes to raise $2500.

Gabrielle loved music, loved people, loved going to Coastlands, loved to laugh, loved her niece Layla and nephew Noah.

"She was so happy despite everything that went on with her body," Alana said.

Gabrielle lived most of her life in Raumati Beach with family before living independently with three flatmates in a house over the railway lines in Paraparaumu when she was 22.

Even though Gabrielle couldn't speak, and had limited mobility, she had a big impact on people who met her.

"I think there were about 300 people at her funeral and so many of them we didn't know," Alana said.

Gabrielle was "an amazing young woman," she said.

www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/gabriellekoornneef