A Rochester couple who took in a young girl after her mum died want to treat her to a bedroom she can only dream of.

Chanice Buckland was at risk of being put into care after her mother Michelle passed away in July 2018.

But Michelle’s friend Vicky Hart couldn’t stand to see that happen and she and her wife Lisa took her in.

They even gave up their honeymoon – and were refused a refund – as they were unable to find someone to look after Chanice so quickly after Michelle’s death.

The youngster now lives with the couple and their four children, but shares a bedroom with Lisa and Vicky as there is nowhere else for her to sleep.

Now five years old, the pair feel it is time both they and Chanice have their own space.

Michelle’s mother Patricia Buckland, of Scholars Rise, Strood, praised the couple, who began supporting her as well after Michelle passed away at the age of 39 after suffering liver problems.

The 80-year-old grandmother of 11 said: “I was grateful to them because I didn’t want Chanice to go into care.

“She says to me, ‘I miss my mummy lots’ and it kills me.

“The night Michelle passed away, Vicky went in the ambulance with her and stayed with her all night. I miss her so much.

“They make sure I am ok every day – I call them my adopted daughters.

“Vicky was always kind to Michelle. They have gone above and beyond, I don’t know what I would do without them.”

Vicky and Lisa, who live in Burritt Mews, Rochester, have four children of their own – Riley, seven, Maddie, 11, and Kyle and Summer, both 14.

The couple married the month after Michelle died and have only spent two nights alone together since taking in Chanice.

Vicky, who met Michelle when she was 14, said: “We took Chanice on because she has known us since she was a baby and we couldn’t see her going in to care.”

The couple are now raising money to convert their garage into a bedroom for Chanice. Their target is £8,000.

Vicky said: “It’s hard because we have children of our own.

“I have my health struggles as well but we got through it, we do what’s best for her.”

Writing on the fundraising page, Vicky said: “Any donation would be grateful. This was the hardest and difficult to write as I felt as if I was going to get judged for asking for money. But I have spoke to a few people and they all said this was a good idea.”

To donate to the couple’s GoFundMe page, click here.

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