Mother Relives Tragic Loss After Possessions Removed

Published on: 3 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 8 Apr, 2026

Kerry Blackaller and her late daughter Liliana. Kerry Blackaller

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

A Surrey mum said she felt like she lost her dead child “all over again” after a social housing provider got rid of irreplaceable keepsakes of her late daughter, without warning.

Kerry Blackaller, 36, who lives in the Redhill area, says she was left “speechless” after being told items stored in a garage had been taken to the tip. Among the belongings were deeply personal items belonging to her daughter, who died after being brought home for end-of-life care.

Kerry said: “Anything and everything I had left of that little girl was gone.”

The loss has been particularly devastating because the garage contained treasured memories of her late daughter. Liliana tragically died in 2022, at just 23 months-old, after doctors found a rare form of cancer.

Kerry Blackaller with her late daughter in happier times. Kerry Blackaller

Kerry said: “Her favourite toys, her hand and footprints… her birth certificate, her death certificate, the pyjamas and blankets she was last in.” She added: “It’s literally all I’ve got left of her.”

Speaking to the local democracy reporting service (LDRS), Kerry explained that she called her late daughter’s resting place “a garden, not a grave”. The mum said she changes the garden every Easter, Valentine’s, Halloween and Christmas.

Natalie Flageul, Executive Director of Customer Experience at Raven Housing Trust, said: “We are deeply sorry to hear about this situation and recognise the profound distress described. We are particularly mindful of the sensitivity of the circumstances and the impact this has had on the family involved.

“A senior manager has visited the customer to listen directly, understand her experience in full, and ensure the concerns raised are being taken seriously at the highest level.”

‘There’s no money in the world that’s ever going to get me that back’

Kerry had been storing belongings in a neighbour’s garage as she said her one-bedroom flat is too overcrowded. She lives there with her three children, including a new born baby. She said: “Everything we own… has been disposed of. I couldn’t tell you the amount of money it cost.”

When the neighbour told Kerry she was giving up the garage, the 36-year-old said she “begged and pleaded” with the housing association for her to take it over so she would not lose access to her things. The Raven Housing Trust said Kerry needed to make an application for one in the local area.

Kerry said she called three or four times after noticing the locks had been changed. She repeatedly contacted the housing association asking to retrieve her belongings. The mum said she kept calling the housing association but she was given the ‘run around’. Days later, she was told everything inside had been “disposed of”.

Kerry said the moment she found out felt like reliving her grief. She said: “When I heard that… it was like I lost her all over again…absolutely anything and everything I had left of that little girl is gone.”

Kerry said: “No one contacted me. No one thought to ask whose stuff it was.” She added: “There’s no money in the world that’s ever going to get me that back.”

‘I feel bullied… I feel harassed’

Kerry said the situation is part of wider issues with her housing, including overcrowding and poor living conditions. She told the LDRS: “There’s damp, there’s mould, there’s no tap pressure in shower, there’s no hot water pressure at all in the kitchen. We’re overcrowded.” Although Ms Blackaller said she is on the council’s housing register, she understands there is a long wait.

The housing provider removed other belongings from outside the flat, Kerry claimed, including children’s items, and is now charging her to get some back. She said: “You’ve taken our life… and you want £100 for me to get some of our belongings back.”

Kerry said she feels “bullied” and “harassed” by the housing service. She said: “Everything I’ve said is falling on deaf ears.” Kerry says the situation has taken a serious toll on her mental health. She said: “I feel like I just want to give up.”

‘We need a move now’

Kerry has now submitted a formal complaint and is calling for urgent action. She said: “We need a move now. Enough is enough.” She is also demanding answers about how her belongings were removed. Kerry said she wants: “A full written explanation… and immediate compensation.”

Raven Housing Trust said it is investigating the customer’s complaint, as it does with any complaint, and said “it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details while that investigation is ongoing”. The investigation will establish whether appropriate processes were followed and identify any lessons that need to be learned.

The Executive Director of Customer Experience said: “The safety of residents is always our priority, including fire safety within communal areas. We are also concerned about reports raised regarding the condition of the home and are seeking to ensure these are properly assessed and addressed.

Ms Flageul said: “We understand concerns have been expressed about space within the home. While we cannot comment on personal circumstances, support is available to explore housing options through the local authority, and we will ensure the customer has appropriate information and guidance should she wish to pursue this.

“We are very sorry that the customer feels she has not been fully listened to or supported. This is not the experience we want for anyone. We are committed to handling this matter thoroughly, sensitively, and with appropriate senior oversight.”