Helping the Fernandos with the passing of beloved Lesa

Dearest friends and loved ones, 

My name is Cass, and I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of my beautiful friends, Shayna & Andy Fernando. As I’m sure most of you know, Shayna’s mum passed away early Monday morning (7/4). A saddening surprise - after seeing her only 2 days prior. Lesa was 57 years old. Nanny.

On Saturday, she had excitedly sent Shayna and Andy into the spare bedroom, where she’d hidden Oli & Luna’s easter surprises. Very loud (and annoying) easter bunnies - she laughed. She waved them all goodbye, as the babes shouted ‘We love you Nanny! See you soon!’ from the car. 


After working the night shift, at 4:30am Monday morning, Andy received the call from Lesa’s carers. He had an hour and a half, to think about how he’d tell Shayna. And then together, how they would tell Oli & Luna that they wouldn’t be able to visit Nanny again.

Andy had 2 days owing of annual leave, which he took, to be there for Shayna. Shayna took Monday, but returned to work on Tuesday. To keep busy, but practically, to plan for what was coming. Living. Which we all know, is ridiculous - coupled with the expenses and logistics that come with a loved one’s passing.

Shayna & Andy have always supported Lesa - paying for her to come and live with them 10 years ago now, when her health began to deteriorate. They bought a house with a granny flat, so she could have her own space. Then moved her, with them, from Bundaberg to Toowoomba 3 years later. Andy helped to care for her. She lived with them as long as was practical. Then they helped her to find accomodation with care. Close by. So that she could still be Nanny.




Lesa was receiving disability - requiring care and support 24/7. She didn’t have any savings. And because she wasn’t old enough to be on a pension, there is no government assistance to help with the cost of her passing.

Lesa had a funeral plan on her file. Insurance - relief - which was forwarded to Andy on Monday. Unfortunately he discovered later that day, that after taking out the policy earlier this year, Lesa cancelled within the 30 day cooling-off period. Shayna & Andy ideally, would have their own savings - but have just finished paying for their own medical expenses. Major surgery, and a significant outlay - years in the making - scheduled for next month.

Lesa didn’t want a funeral. But a funeral is not the only expense you face when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Yesterday, they hired a truck. Moved all of her things. Her furniture. Her wheel chairs and adjustable bed. On their own. They purchased metres of plastic to store everything safely, until hopefully, they can pass them on to someone else in need.

A task for down the track, once the dust settles.

Tonight, Andy returns to work - both of them, now working the entire Easter weekend to make ends meet. 



Any funds raised will go directly to Shayna and Andy - to help cover the costs of Lesa’s passing. To ease the financial strain, and allow time for Shayna to slow down, and breathe - and grieve - as she prepares for her surgery in May. To help create some keepsake - for the babes, to remember their Nanny.

This is not something Shayna & Andy were prepared to ask for on their own. And I know, they would do what they had to, to do what they could, as they always have. But I also know that they have an army of people around them who wish they could do more, to show them the same kindness they have shared with everyone lucky enough to cross paths with them.

Anything you wish to contribute - anything you can afford - will be more than gratefully received by the whole family.

Their hearts are as big as their beautiful smiles.

And I know I’m not the only one who just wants to love them - to help them, in any way I can.

If you're not able to contribute, just a share would be greatly appreciated x