Jasmin Burke

Hello. My name is Bruce Bell.

On Sunday 23/02/2025 our son-in law, Patrick (Pat) Burke, contacted a particularly aggressive Sepsis blood bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. Within hours of being admitted to Gosford Hospital he was in ICU on life support machines and a barrage of heavy duty antibiotic medications. In those first few days we did not know if Pat was going to survive. Then the antibiotics started to fight the bacteria. Hope came in and we felt positive for Pat’s treatment. Part of his Sepsis caused numerous blisters all over his body. The hospital doctors decided Pat would require intensive care from the Burns Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. Pat was transported to RNS hospital ICU on Saturday 01/03/2025. To give Pat every opportunity for a good recovery, the RNS doctors and nurses fought tirelessly to eradicate the bacteria from his body with the intent to minimise damage to his vital organs and body. We know that Pat’s spirit would have been fighting right alongside the medical team. On Tuesday 4.3.25 Jasmin was given the devastating news of Pat’s prognosis. If Pat were to survive, he would require multiple amputations, extensive skin grafts throughout his body and other possible health issues yet to emerge.

On Monday 10/03/2025, our much loved Pat, passed away. Pat was 49 years old. Throughout this devastating ordeal, Jasmin was by his side. At Gosford Hospital Jasmin slept next to Pat on a day bed in his ICU room. At RNSH she was able to stay close to him in the hospital carer accommodation.

Jasmin met Pat in1994. At the time Pat was guitarist with his mates in a band they called Malakye Grind. In the following years their band gained some notoriety around the Central Coast NSW playing at various venues including some gigs in Sydney and Newcastle. Pat had a natural ability to play guitar and with that same natural ability, he was soon writing his own music. The band released an EP in 1996 and were still recording and releasing music in 2024 including through the streaming platforms.

Jasmin and Pat married in 2004. It was a marriage built on solid rock. Unfortunately, medical science would determine they were unable to have children. They knew they had to accept this and after all, they still had each other. Pat and Jasmin shared the same passions which included music, astronomy and wildlife, especially birds. Many a time you would see waddles of ducks in their yard.

Being a tradesman all his working life Pat gave it away last year to start a new career in the Aged Care Industry as a Community Support Worker. Pat loved his new position as it suited his caring nature and his wish to help others. Pat really enjoyed supporting his clients saying it was his calling. He especially enjoyed siting with them over a cup of tea because Pat really liked a good gasbag, a good laugh and could hold a conversation with anyone of any age.

It has been a traumatic and devastating time for Jasmin who will carry this grief for an eternity. Jasmin herself experienced significant health issues over the past18 months. With all Jasmin’s leave exhausted and the uncertainty of when she will be able to return to work has created a situation of no wages coming into her household. Jasmin’s aim is to return to work.

Just for short while, during this tragic stage in her life and adjusting to life without her husband Pat, Jasmin will be snowed under with mounting living and funeral expenses. Our family are very much aware that we live in times of unrest and rising living costs. We understand it's sometimes financially hard to give to others so I'm just asking to give what you can. Any amount will be appreciated. Thank you for your generous heartfelt support.