Hi, my name is Kerrie, and I'm fundraising for a beautiful family that is going through a tough time at the moment.

In the early morning of the 8th of November, Carl Schmidt suffered a massive and unexpected cardiac arrest – leaving his adored family, Vanessa, Maddie and Will, in shock and struggling to deal with the loss.

Carl was a man who was incredibly generous with his time, experience, energy and friendship with just about anyone who was lucky enough to meet him.

He, along with Vanessa, Will and Maddie, spent countless hours at the beach, giving up weekends and holidays to be on Patrol, Sunday mornings helping Nippers and many hours in his community.

Carl lived for his family, but those who knew him will remember being infected by his smile, his kindness, his love for the water and the people around him. We all have the best memories of Carl making us all laugh, but he was more than a character; he was the definition of the devoted family man and their rock.

For his entire life, Carl worked extremely hard, providing for his beloved family but now Vanessa, while grieving, is trying to pick up the pieces, reconcile the family finances and work through the devastating process to try and keep their family home.

We can’t bring our Carl back, or lessen the loss for Vanessa, Maddie or Will, but we can try to help ease the immediate financial burden while the family find their feet in this new life they never dreamt they’d have to live.

Please reach into your pockets this Christmas and offer some kindness to Carls family – representing the generosity that he and his family have shown to their community, their friends and anyone lucky enough to know them.