Help support Layla & Sofia Walsh

Dear friends, family & community,

It is with a heavy heart that I shared the news of the passing of my former partner and beloved father to our children, Michael Walsh on March 28 this year. Michael was a loving and devoted father, and his sudden departure has left us devastated.

My eldest daughter Layla was his first responder, she called me letting me know she could hear him vomiting in the shower and wasn’t replying to her when she called out to him. I only live around the corner so I drove over quickly but by the time I arrived I found Michael lifeless on the bathroom floor. I performed cpr for some time until the fire men arrived and took over for me. The next 15-20 minutes that followed were spent with my daughters in a bedroom trying to cover up the noise the firemen and paramedics were making, holding them close and praying for Michael to be okay. 

Michael was brought back to us, but only just. I was told he had gone into cardiac arrest and had a major blockage. Sadly, Michael suffered extensive brain damage due to the loss of oxygen and his injuries were not compatible with life. 

I took our girls to say goodbye to their daddy on 27 March this year and shortly after his life support was taken off and he passed early the next morning and we went back and said our final last words. 

In the wake of this tragedy, we find ourselves facing financial challenges that we never anticipated.

Michael did not leave a will or power of attorney and so, I have needed to engage estate lawyers in order for my daughters to receive their entitlements longer term.

Since Michaels passing, I have taken on full custody of our children as well as Michael’s large bull mastiff dog I have needed to register and book in for the works as it was not done under Michael’s ownership: desexing, vaccinations and microchipping which is necessary however, every extra cost to us is impacting our household.

Currently, we have 4 people (my dad included) and 2 dogs living in a very small two bedroom complex with a small back courtyard. I often say when people come over - “and the tour is complete” as soon as they step in the front door. The last couple of months I have been sleeping on a mattress on the lounge room floor. I honestly don’t mind but it’s not feasible long term.

“It’s not much but it’s home” as Ronald Weasley would say.

We haven’t always had it easy and the last few years I have been rebuilding a little life for us as best I can and it’s been going well however, as mentioned before Michaels sad and sudden passing has left us facing financial challenges we never anticipated. 

To make us a little bit more comfortable at home I have created this go fund me to assist us.

I would like to convert our single garage into a third bedroom, and to also raise funds to enclose my front yard with fencing so the dogs are not confined to the house and the small back courtyard.

All other raised funds will be put aside for the girls ongoing expenses. This includes medical expenses, education, clothing, and day-to-day living expenses that were previously shared between us.

In addition, Michael was buried in Sydney and it will be an ongoing cost to us to visit him as regularly as we can.

I humbly reach out to you, seeking your support during this difficult time. Any contribution you can make, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping us rebuild our lives and provide a stable and secure future for our children despite the immense loss we have experienced.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, prayers, and contributions.

With deep gratitude,

Sarah

(Layla & Sofia’s mum)