Children who lost both parents to cancer within week of each other 'overwhelmed' by the £200,000 raised by the public

Oliver, 13, Hannah, 18, and Luke, 21, thanked the public for their support

Julie Bennet, and husband Mike, 57 pictured together days before they both died (Family Handout/PA Wire)

Tens-of-thousands of pound have been raised for three children whose parents both died of cancer within a week of each other.

Luke, Hannah and Oliver Bennet said their were "overwhelmed" by the public's generosity after more than 10,000 people donated over £200,000 in just 23 days.

“My brother, sister and I are overwhelmed by the enormous support and generosity we have received from so many friends and well wishers,” said Luke, 21.

The money will help him, along with his 18-year-old sister and 13-year-old brother, "sustain their activities and studies", according to the fundraising website.

Their father Mike passed away from a brain tumour last week and within days their mother. Diagnosed in 2013, the 57-year-old cabinet maker was cared for by his family home in Liverpool.

In May 2016, his wife Julie, 50, was later diagnosed with liver and kidney cancer.

She died five days after her husband, this weekend.

“Mum has appreciated all the help from close friends in supporting the family over the last three years through difficult times and it would be a huge relief to her to know this support will continue,” Luke said.

Family friend Heather Heaton Gallagher said the parents would have wanted their children to continue in their hobbies of acting, dancing and performing.

“Facing a double terminal cancer diagnosis is beyond belief,” she said. “As a community we are working hard to support the family so that they can stay together and ensure that they can continue their education as planned.”

Ms Gallagher said the biggest necessity was a car, as a specially adapted vehicle given to their parents had to be returned.