Hey guys im Ashleigh, im just trying to help out my dad in anyway possible! our family has been through absolute hell the last few years and now this..

I honestly never imagined having to write this, but our family truly needs help.

My dad has endured more heartbreak in the past few years than anyone should ever have to face. In October 2021, he lost one of his closest mates. Just 14 days later, our family was shattered again when we lost my sister — his step-daughter — a loss that still weighs heavily on him every single day.

Only six months after losing his step-daughter, our family faced another devastating challenge when I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Throughout my diagnosis, treatments, and recovery, my dad was my rock. He supported me emotionally, mentally, and financially, standing beside me through one of the hardest battles of my life — even while carrying his own deep grief.

More recently, the heartbreak has continued. My dad lost his father (grandad) on 4 November 2025, and heartbreakingly, just weeks later, his mum (grandma) passed away on 29 December 2025. While trying to grieve and spending time with family in Brisbane over Christmas, yet another devastating blow occurred.

During the recent cyclone, my dad’s boat — which was his home — was completely destroyed at Airlie Beach. It was secured on a mooring, but the cyclone caused it to break free and smash onto the rocks. The boat is beyond repair.

This loss is even more devastating because my dad had just spent over $30,000 on brand-new electronics and batteries and was halfway through a full internal refurbishment. The inside was nearly complete, with only the exterior left to finish. This boat wasn’t just a vessel — it was his home and future. He was preparing it so he could travel around Australia and to Indonesia.

Although the boat was insured, the insurance company has now refused to cover the loss due to a policy change. As a result, my dad has lost everything — his home, all his clothes, tools, and personal belongings, including items that were deeply sentimental and irreplaceable. He is now out of pocket by over $150,000.

To make matters even worse, since the boat was damaged and left unattended, people have been getting onto it and stealing whatever they can. What little remained after the cyclone is now being taken, adding further distress and loss..

On top of all this, my dad is now facing the enormous cost of salvaging and removing the destroyed boat, estimated to be between $25,000 and $30,000 — a cost he must cover himself while already grieving, homeless, and financially devastated.

My dad is a hardworking, kind man who has always put others before himself. He has carried our family through grief, illness, and loss without ever asking for help. But right now, he truly needs it.

Any donation, no matter how small, will help go toward:

• Boat salvage and removal costs

• Replacing basic necessities (clothes, tools, essentials)

• Helping him regain some stability while he rebuilds his life

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading, for caring, and for helping my dad through the hardest chapter of his life.

❤️