Hi, our names are Kirrileigh and Sarah, and we are fundraising for our beautiful “other mum”, Gaylene.

Who is Gaylene, you might ask? She was our receptionist at ME Bank, but she was so much more than that.

Gaylene was the heart of our organisation. A mum to many. A friend, confidant and constant. She was trusted and deeply loved by everyone who came under her wing.

You know the type. The person who keeps everything running smoothly. Who knows where everything is. Who is sick, who is travelling, who is expecting a baby or getting married. Who needs a hug. Gaylene had all 800 plus people in our building in her sights, always.

She dedicated years of her life to her role and to all of us who were lucky enough to be greeted by her every morning. She has a smile and shine that are infectious, paired with a wicked sense of humour. And yes, she can bake.

Oh wow, can she bake.

For 12 years, Gaylene baked and sold homemade goodies throughout our Melbourne CBD building, raising more than $3,500 every single year for charity. She became lovingly known as “The Sweet Baker”, raising thousands of dollars annually for the Mother’s Day Classic, a cause close to her heart, supporting those going through breast cancer.

But now, Gaylene needs us.

This year has seen her life placed on hold as she battles serious health challenges. This week brought an outcome none of us ever expected, resulting in the amputation of her leg and a long road ahead involving rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.

This is a woman who has given her time, her love, her kitchen, and funded every ingredient herself for more than 12 years, simply to help others.

Gaylene is selfless. She is deeply loved. And we want to make sure that this year, she truly feels that love returned.

She is unlikely to be out of hospital before Christmas. When she does return home, we want to ensure her house is ready for wheelchair access, an electric scooter, and any assistance or medical support she may need now and into the future.

Any donation, big or small, will mean the world to her. Gaylene also loves to read and is currently feeling quite lonely and isolated in hospital in Melbourne, so messages, well wishes, and comments on this page would mean more than you know.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

Sarah and Kirrileigh