Girls devastated after tragic death of 'wonderful' Coventry music legend

A young woman who was orphaned when her beloved dad died says his unexpected death has been 'impossibly difficult.' Georgia Whateley has opened up about life without her 'wonderful' dad Neil Kulkarni.

Writer Neil Kulkarni, from Coventry, died unexpectedly in January at the age of just 51. He left behind his two young daughters Georgia and Sofia.

Neil was best known for his work at The Wire, The Quietus, Uncut, Vox, Melody Maker and Loaded in a long career in music. His journalism was described as 'barbed, hilarious, brutally honest and emotionally gifted.'

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Neil also spent many years at City College Coventry as the Course Leader of Music Journalism and was part of the long-established band the Coventry Moonbears. His unexpected death has left his two young daughters 'devastated.'

Eldest daughter Georgia, 25, said losing her dad has been 'impossibly difficult' after her mum Samantha died just five years ago in 2018. She has now become the sole caregiver of her autistic sister Sofia.

Georgia opened up about her 'struggle' to help 18-year-old Sofia travel to Stratford-Upon-Avon College. Dad Neil used to take her 'as he lovingly did every day since she started.'

Georgia said: “I am literally all out of ideas. My family are having to step in but obviously it is hard because it is driving to a city and back every day, so there are two days a week that she has missed for the past four weeks.”

Sofia has just a year left of her Level 3 Music Course at Stratford-Upon-Avon College. It is estimated that a private taxi every day would cost in the region of £10,000 for the rest of her studies.

“College is her safe space and studying is her only escape, allowing her to do what she loves. Due to her autism and being unable to use public transport because of this, travelling to college is a struggle without Neil to take her there, as he lovingly did every day since she started,” Georgia said.

Georgia is hoping to raise £10,000, with just under £8,500 already donated on GoFundMe. She has been 'absolutely overjoyed' with the support they have received, which she says 'means so much.'

Friends Emily, Keren, Ellie, and Beth said: “Whilst we explore further options to fund this, we would love to take away some of the financial burden from Georgia and her family. Every donation and share is greatly appreciated.

"We would also welcome any advice for longer-term support going forward.” Donations can be made via GoFundMe.

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