Help Honor Karen’s Legacy and Riley’s Ongoing Recovery

We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the passing of Karen, a devoted grandmother, guardian, and the absolute rock of her family.

Karen stepped into the role of primary caregiver for her grandson Riley during the most unimaginable time in his life. At just four years old, Riley survived a tragic house fire that left him with life-altering injuries. He spent six months in a coma, during which he suffered two strokes, and doctors feared he wouldn't make it. But Riley, against all odds, pulled through.

His recovery has been long and painful. He had to learn to walk, talk, and eat all over again. He still lives with permanent scarring and continues to undergo surgeries as part of his healing journey.

Karen and her life partner Paul took Riley into their care after the fire. Karen became his everything — his comfort, his nurse, his teacher, his mum. She gave Riley a second chance at childhood and poured all of her love into making sure he felt safe, supported, and unconditionally loved.

On Wednesday, April 23rd, the family was meant to be getting ready to go out celebrating Riley’s birthday — a day of joy. Instead, tragedy struck.

Karen suffered a sudden and severe brain hemorrhage that same day. It was so critical that she was declared brain dead within hours. Her ventilator and life support were turned off Saturday the 26th of April —

Even in death, Karen's giving spirit lived on. She selflessly became an organ donor, saving three other lives through the donation of her lungs, kidneys, and liver. That’s who Karen was — always thinking of others.

Now, Riley is left not only grieving the loss of his Nan, his carer, his safe place — but facing the world without her steady hand. Paul, too, is grieving the loss of his beloved partner while doing everything he can to support Riley through yet another life-altering trauma.

We’re raising funds to:

Help cover the funeral and memorial costs for Karen

Provide ongoing care and support for Riley, including medical needs and therapy

Give Paul some much-needed financial relief as he navigates this new chapter

Karen gave everything she had to Riley. We want to give back — to honor her memory and make sure her grandson continues to feel the love and care she worked so hard to provide.

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this page. Let’s rally around Riley and Paul in their darkest hour and show them they are not alone.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

❤️