Hi everyone,

My name is Ash, and I’m writing this on behalf of my wife, Emily. Most people know her as Miss Hales, a passionate teacher who has poured her heart into her classroom. She makes sure every single child has what they need to learn—even if that means buying supplies out of her own pocket. Pencils, glue sticks, little extras… she never lets her kids go without.

Now, for the first time, she’s the one who needs help.

Emily has a benign brain tumour on her right temporal lobe that causes epilepsy. After years of managing with medication, her seizures have returned. Her neurosurgeon now plans to remove most of the tumour, along with 4–6 cm of her temporal lobe.

This has already taken a huge toll. Emily has had to give up her driver’s licence, which means losing her independence on the road. She was once a triathlete—cycling, swimming, running—but seizures and constant medication changes have stripped her of that freedom. The exhaustion she battles daily has left her worn down and unable to train the way she used to.

This surgery is her best chance at stability and at holding onto the things that make her her—teaching, making music on her guitar and viola, and simply living life with me. But the financial strain is heavy: specialist appointments, hospital stays, travel and accommodation (she can’t drive because of her epilepsy), and living expenses while she recovers. Medicare helps with some, but far from all.

Why We’re Asking

Emily has spent her life giving—whether it’s fundraising for charities, donating her time, or supporting her students beyond the classroom. It’s humbling to be on the other side, asking for help for her.

Your support would go directly toward:

- Specialist appointments and tests

- GP appointments and medications

- Travel and accommodation for hospital visits (Medicare only covers part)

- Living expenses during recovery, when neither of us will be able to work

Why It Matters

Teaching isn’t just Emily’s job—it’s her calling. She is also a musician, and music has always been her outlet for coping and healing. One of her biggest fears is losing that ability after surgery, but she’s already working hard to retrain her brain so she can hold onto it.

This surgery means Emily can keep doing what she was meant to do: teach, support, and advocate for children who need it most, and continue to play the music that brings her joy and strength. She also wishes, deeply, to return to her triathlon training and club.

How You Can Help

Any donation, big or small, will make a difference. And if you can’t give financially, even sharing this page would mean the world to us.

We don’t yet know the exact surgery date, but all of Emily’s tests are done. We know it’s coming very soon.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you for helping us fight for more good years in the classroom, more music, and more moments together.

With gratitude,

Ash (for Emily)

Just Keep Swimming

*Go Fund Me account run by Emily.