Our beautiful Helen McNamara has always been the first to put her hand up when someone needed a meal, a lift, a shoulder to cry on or a cheeky laugh to brighten the day. She’s a loving grandmother, mum, wife and friend to just about everyone in Tocumwal.

A few weeks ago, Helen suffered a severe stroke that turned her world upside down. She is now facing a long road to recovery and needs a lot of medical equipment to give her the best chance of keeping her mobility and independence. From specialised supports to therapy gear, it all adds up quickly.

Helen has always been the one helping others without thinking twice, whether that meant dipping into her own pocket or giving up her time. Now it’s our turn to rally behind her. If you’re from Toc, you’ll know Helen – and you’ll know she’d be mortified at the fuss, but we reckon she’s earned it.

Her husband Rob has been making the hour-long trip to Shepparton Hospital nearly every day to be by her side. On top of that, he’s learning how to cook for himself. Word is his culinary experiments have been… creative. Let’s just say Helen has another reason to work hard on her rehab.

We’re calling on the good people of Tocumwal (and anyone further afield who’s crossed paths with Helen) to help us make sure she has every chance to get back to doing what she does best – loving her family, laughing with her friends and being the heart of this town.

Every little bit helps and will go directly towards the equipment and support she needs. Let’s show Helen and Rob that Tocumwal looks after its own.

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A Message from Luke McNamara, Helen’s Son:

"On behalf of Mum, Dad and our whole family, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The love, kindness and generosity from everyone in Tocumwal and beyond has been overwhelming. We’ve always known this was a special community, but seeing it rally around Mum like this has been something else. It’s given us strength on the tough days and reminded us we’re not in this alone."

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From Robert, Helen’s Husband:

"This little lady is a tower of strength and I am so proud of her.

Every single rehab session, she is bettering her previous efforts by more than three times the amount of work. It’s amazing to see how determined she is to get home and back to normal as quickly as she can.

I’ve been with her since she was 14 years old, so I know the determination she carries and the strength she has to take on the terrible events life has thrown at us. We’ve pulled together through it all.

We know the next 12 months or more will be very tough, but as we have done for the last 57 years since we first set eyes on each other, we’ll pull together and get through it.

I couldn’t be more proud of the way she has responded to this challenge in her life."

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From Lauren, Helen's Granddaughter:

"My grandma recently had a severe stroke and she and my grandpa are doing everything they can to push through her recovery. She's a fighter, but the equipment she needs is expensive and they can't do it alone. Any donation, big or small, will help her get stronger every day and give my grandpa the support he needs to care for her. Thank you so much for helping them through this tough time.'

Thank you for being part of Helen’s journey. Your support means the world.