Hi my name is Renee and I am seeking help to raise money for my long term friend Julie Shipman and her two kids Isla 14 and Rory 7.

Julie and I have known each other since meeting at Laidley Kindy and have walked alongside each other for most of our lives. Together we have experienced 12 years of school, team sports, uni and travel. In that time, I’ve seen what an absolute queen she is. She put herself through uni to become a nurse so she could care for other people. She’s gone through some really tough times over the years, but she’s always just got on with it. She is fiercely independent and not someone who finds it easy to ask for help.

Just before Christmas 2025, Julie and her kids, Rory and Isla, had their world turned upside down.

Garry, their dad and Julie’s long‑term friend, ex partner, and co‑parent, passed away suddenly at only 47. It was completely unexpected. Garry went to bed with cold like symptoms and never woke up. No one realised how unwell he was.

Even though Julie and Garry had separated, they stayed close friends and did an amazing job co‑parenting the kids together. Garry was a huge part of Rory and Isla’s lives, and losing him so suddenly has been absolutely heartbreaking for them.

Garry has no living family, so a lot has fallen on Julie’s shoulders. On top of her own grief, she’s now dealing with:

• Overwhelming paperwork and admin after Garry’s death

• Life as a single mum

• Supporting two kids who have just lost their dad

I’ve set up this page because I’d love to give Julie and the kids something gentle and kind in the middle of all this: a chance to get away for a little break.

The money raised will go towards:

• A holiday or time away for Julie, Rory and Isla

• Travel, accommodation and some simple activities

• Letting them step out of the chaos for a moment and just be together

• Give them some breathing space from the stress and constant reminders

• Let Rory and Isla make some new, gentle memories with their mum

• Offer a small bit of light in a really dark time

If you’re able to help, any amount – big or small – will mean so much and will go straight towards giving them this break.

If you can’t donate right now, you can still help by sharing this page or sending your love and support their way.

Thank you for caring about Julie and the kids, and for helping to look after someone who has spent so much of her life looking after others.