My name is Emily, and I’m from the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

I’m reaching out during the most heartbreaking and overwhelming time of my life.

My partner, Michael, was tragically killed in the devastating floods in Nepal.

Michael was my partner and an incredibly important part of our family. He was also my young son’s stepfather, although he was the only father he has ever known. His loss has changed everything for both of us.

We are trying to navigate the shock and grief of losing someone we love so deeply, while also suddenly having to face life without the person who was such an important part of our family, our home and our financial security.

When I first created this fundraiser, I had hoped that my son and I would be able to travel to India to take part in a sacred yoga and spiritual ritual to honour Michael and support his transition after death.

After giving this a lot of thought, our plans have changed. Rather than travelling ourselves, I will be using part of the funds raised to help two of Michael’s sisters travel to India on behalf of the family, so they can take part in the ritual and honour their brother.

I also want to use this opportunity to give something back to the people who have been affected by the devastating floods that took Michael from us. A portion of the funds will be donated to families and communities affected by the floods in Nepal.

The remainder of the funds will help my son and me navigate the enormous practical and financial impact of losing Michael.

Since his death, I have had to take significant time away from work to grieve and care for my son. I have lost the second income that helped support our household, and without Michael here to share childcare and the responsibilities of everyday life, I am no longer able to work the same amount as I previously could.

The funds raised will help with:

• Supporting two of Michael’s sisters to travel to India and participate in the spiritual ritual

• Donations to families and communities affected by the Nepal floods

• Lost income while I take time away from work to grieve

• Everyday living and household expenses

• Caring for and supporting my son through the loss of the only father he has ever known

• Travel, legal, administrative and other costs associated with managing everything following Michael’s death

• Giving us some financial stability while I work out what our life looks like now and begin rebuilding

I never imagined I would be asking for financial support in this way. It is incredibly difficult to put this into words, and even harder to ask for help.

But right now, we genuinely need our community around us.

Every donation will help us through this incredibly difficult period, while also allowing us to honour Michael and extend some support to the people in Nepal whose lives have also been devastated by these floods.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how small, it will make a meaningful difference to us. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with someone else would also mean so much.

Thank you for standing beside us, for helping us honour Michael, and for supporting my son and me as we try to find our way forward. ❤️