Karen Gilliland's children and their future
Donation protected
This gofundme has been established in memory of my dear sister Karen Gilliland, who was horrifically murdered by her estranged husband on Tuesday, 23 June 2020. We are a very private family – Karen was especially so – and setting up a public fundraiser like this sits very uneasily with us, but we have decided to do it in the interests of Karen’s three wonderful children. Maybe it's time we all learned to speak up more; I can’t help but think if Karen had felt able to be less private about the abusive relationship she endured for the entirety of her 20 year marriage, she might still be with us.
As a kid, all Karen ever wanted in life was to be a mum, but it was not an easy road for her. In 2004, after four years of marriage, she gave birth to her first son Thomas, who passed away after three weeks and two days, having spent his entire life in intensive care due to a number of serious birth issues. Karen then miscarried twins. We thought she would never bear the children she desperately wanted.
Then, in 2006 her son Saul arrived, and he was followed by Lara two years later and Jade in 2014. They are three truly amazing children who excel academically and in sporting endeavours. This year, both Saul and Lara won gold medals at the Australian national karate championships, whilst Jade loves playing with makeup. All three have inherited Karen’s love of reading and read books at every opportunity. Lara also completes a Sudoku puzzle every day (how many 11-year-olds walk around with homemade Sudoku books in their pocket at all times so she can do one any time she has free time?).
Karen loved these children more than anything in this world. Our hearts break as we think of the journey ahead for them, navigating life without their amazing mother.
Rest assured, they are safe in the loving arms of our family and we will do everything we can to give them the guidance and support that Karen would have wanted. Any money raised here will be used solely for them.
As a kid, all Karen ever wanted in life was to be a mum, but it was not an easy road for her. In 2004, after four years of marriage, she gave birth to her first son Thomas, who passed away after three weeks and two days, having spent his entire life in intensive care due to a number of serious birth issues. Karen then miscarried twins. We thought she would never bear the children she desperately wanted.
Then, in 2006 her son Saul arrived, and he was followed by Lara two years later and Jade in 2014. They are three truly amazing children who excel academically and in sporting endeavours. This year, both Saul and Lara won gold medals at the Australian national karate championships, whilst Jade loves playing with makeup. All three have inherited Karen’s love of reading and read books at every opportunity. Lara also completes a Sudoku puzzle every day (how many 11-year-olds walk around with homemade Sudoku books in their pocket at all times so she can do one any time she has free time?).
Karen loved these children more than anything in this world. Our hearts break as we think of the journey ahead for them, navigating life without their amazing mother.
Rest assured, they are safe in the loving arms of our family and we will do everything we can to give them the guidance and support that Karen would have wanted. Any money raised here will be used solely for them.
Organizer
Bryan Cranston
Organizer
