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Holding Naomi Close – A Community Supporting One of Its Own
Naomi is a much-loved member of our community and the deeply respected captain of the Senior Women’s team at the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs AFL Club.
Naomi has suffered the heartbreaking loss of her partner, Thomas, who tragically passed away in an aircraft accident while working as a pilot here in FNQ. Thomas was her adoring partner & #1 fan, also a proud Div 3 Men’s player at Centrals, a passionate supporter of our community club, and an always smiling mate to many.
Together, Naomi and Thomas built a life full of love, laughter and shared adventure. During COVID, when international borders tried to keep them apart, they found their way back to each other, packed up a campervan and set off north from Melbourne. They didn’t quite make it as far north as planned, instead falling in love with Cairns and with the community here that quickly became like family.
As Naomi’s dad shared with us, “Thomas was her world.”
With Naomi’s family in Ireland, Thomas’s family based in Melbourne, and as Naomi begins to navigate life without her partner, many people who know and care for them have asked how they might help. This GoFundMe has been created with the blessing of Naomi’s family, to offer friends, teammates, neighbours and supporters a kind and practical way to show their love and care.
Funds raised will help ease some of the immediate pressures Naomi now faces - including fast tracking family members to be by their sides - and allow Naomi the space and time to grieve, before stepping gently back toward everyday life when she feels ready.
There is no expectation - every message, shared memory and act of kindness will mean so much to Naomi, her family, and Thomas’s family.
Thank you for helping us support them during this heartbreaking time.
❤️
Looking ahead…
Details regarding a funeral or memorial for Thomas are yet to be finalised. When arrangements are known, and with the blessing of the family, we will share information with the community.
Centrals Trinity Beach AFL Club will also be looking to dedicate the proceeds of fundraising event in the coming weeks as another way to support Naomi.
If you wish to donate a prize, offer support, or discuss any other contribution, please feel free to get in touch:
Sarah Courtney
Club Secretary – Centrals Trinity Beach AFL Club
OR
Keep your eye on our club FB page for details.
