My beautiful godchildren, Merrick and Ruby, have faced the unthinkable - the sudden loss of their firefighter dad, to suicide. No child should ever have to endure such heartbreak, yet this is now their reality.

On top of the grief, Merrick carries the trauma of being the one who found his dad that night. It is a memory no young person should ever have to hold, and it has left deep scars that will take time, care, and support to heal.

In the midst of this pain, both Merrick and Ruby are also confronted with the heavy burden of sorting through their father’s affairs. From legal matters to practical costs, there are so many responsibilities that no young family should have to face while navigating grief and trauma.

This fundraiser is to help Merrick and Ruby find some stability in the weeks and months ahead. Your donations will go towards:

• Covering the immediate expenses tied to their dad’s estate and affairs

• Ensuring Merrick and Ruby have the security and protection they need during this vulnerable time

• Providing access to the support and care that will help them heal and move forward

Every contribution, no matter the size, or even simply sharing this link, is a gift of love and support that helps lift some of the weight from their young shoulders.

We cannot take away their pain, but together we can support Merrick and Ruby through this tragedy, and shine a light on the importance of mental health for all.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with them.