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Tyla Wanstall from Herne Bay launches new burger van following tragic deaths of mum and sister in Whitstable

14:03, 01 August 2023

updated: 15:55, 01 August 2023

A grieving son is fighting back from the tragedy which claimed the lives of his mum and sister by relaunching his burger van business.

Tyla Wanstall and his family were left devastated when Leah Churchill, 50, and Brooke Wanstall, 17, died in his old food wagon in February after becoming overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning from a petrol generator.

Tyla Wanstall's new food wagon
Tyla Wanstall's new food wagon

The family has struggled to cope ever since, but Tyla, 26, says he now has to get back to work to earn a living.

He has bought a replacement Meat ‘N’ Greet wagon and spent the last few months stripping it out and refitting it.

“I have to say it’s been tough since I lost mum and Brooke and my head has been all over the place, “ said the dad-of-one, who is currently living in Herne Bay.

“I’m so grateful for the support we have received but I now have to get back to work and earn a living. It’s what my mum would have wanted.”

The tragedy happened on February 14 – Tyla’s 26th birthday – when he arrived at his wagon off the Old Thanet Way in Whitstable for work, only to find his mum and sister dead inside.

Tyla Wanstall has launched a new food wagon
Tyla Wanstall has launched a new food wagon
Leah Churchill and daughter Brooke Wanstall
Leah Churchill and daughter Brooke Wanstall

The pair had gone to the unit the previous night to decorate it with banners and balloons as a surprise for Tyla. But fatally, they started up a generator inside which led to them quickly succumbing to the fumes.

An inquest later determined they had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Distraught Tyla later issued a warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide, saying: “Mum made a fatal mistake and I wouldn’t want this to happen to another family.”

There was an outpouring of grief in the aftermath of the tragedy, with a vigil on the beach at Herne Bay where dozens of balloons were released in their memory.

Leah lived in Wife of Bath Hill on the London Road estate in Canterbury with Brooke and was a mum-of-four, leaving behind another daughter, Ocean, 23, and son, Sonny, 12.

“Slowly and surely, I am getting my life back together...”

More than £10,000 was raised through a public appeal to pay for their joint funeral.

“Slowly and surely, I am getting my life back together – I have to just crack on and keep focused,” said Tyla, who has a nine-month-old son with partner Beth.

“It takes my mind off things and already I’m getting lots of support, which is nice.

“I am looking for a new regular pitch for my wagon, ideally around Herne Bay and Whitstable, but am already doing some events.

“Somewhere where there is passing traffic and footfall would be ideal, and I am quite happy to pay rent, of course.

Flowers at the scene of the tragedy
Flowers at the scene of the tragedy

“Anyone who can offer a site can message me through my Meat ‘N’ Greet Facebook page.”

Tyla’s revived business has already attracted support from customers.

“You're an amazing family and have coped so well with a massive tragedy. Good luck with your new venture, “ wrote Tina Mead on his Facebook page.

“Best of luck to you. Your mum and sister would be so proud,” added Gemma Vince.

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