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.

The loss has changed everything for my son and me. We are trying to navigate the shock and grief of losing someone we love deeply, while also suddenly having to face life without the person who was such an important part of our family and our household.

My son and I have been invited to travel to India to take part in a sacred yoga and spiritual ritual connected with Sadhguru, as a way of honouring Michael, processing this loss and supporting his transition after death. For us, this journey carries deep spiritual meaning, and being able to participate would mean so much during this incredibly difficult time.

We are asking for support to help make this possible.

How the funds will be spent

The funds raised will go towards:

• Return flights for my son and me from Australia to India

• Passports for both of us

• Indian visas and associated visa costs

• Accommodation while we are in India

• Transport and travel expenses within India

• Food and essential living expenses while we are away

• Costs associated with attending the ceremony, ritual and pilgrimage

• Essential living and household expenses while I take time away from work to grieve

• Supporting my son and me as we adjust to life without Michael and begin rebuilding our lives

Since losing my partner, I have also 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 my partner here to share childcare, I am no longer able to work the same amount as I previously could.

So this fundraiser is about more than one trip. It is about giving my son and me some breathing room while we navigate an unimaginable loss and begin to work out what our life looks like now.

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.

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 during this incredibly painful time. ❤️