Last week our family’s world changed completely when my sister’s life partner and future husband Danny passed away incredibly suddenly and unexpectedly. One moment, life was carrying on as normal and the next, everything had inexplicably changed.

There are really no words for the shock and heartbreak of losing someone you love without warning. But alongside the unimaginable grief, my sister is now facing a future she could never have prepared for: raising their beautiful daughter, Dani Bear, without her partner, sole provider and Dani’s daddy by her side. Dani Bear was quite simply the apple of his eye. He absolutely adored her and she adored her daddy. Of all the heartbreak that comes with losing Danny so young, knowing that my sister must now navigate raising their little girl without him by her side is perhaps the hardest thing to comprehend.

Danny was a much loved partner, devoted daddy, son, brother, family member, friend and highly thought of colleague. His sudden passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.

Danny gave my sister the freedom, security and capacity to be a full-time mother, raising Dani Bear as they both wished. As these things go, due to the many formalities and practicalities that follow such a sudden loss, my sister will not receive any immediate financial support and this side of things is uncertain.

We’ve created this GoFundMe to give her some financial security and breathing space in the weeks and months ahead, helping with immediate expenses, everyday living costs, house costs and childcare as well as any counselling, therapy, bereavement support or other professional services that may help Victoria and Dani Bear through the incredibly difficult journey ahead. Most importantly, it will give her the space to grieve and begin to navigate life without the added pressure of wondering how she is going to manage financially.

Victoria has always been someone who puts others first, offering kindness, support and practical help whenever it is needed. She has given so much of herself to the people around her throughout her life, and now, in the midst of this devastating loss, we want to make sure she is fully supported too.

Anyone who knew Danny will know how deeply loved he was and how much he loved his family. Nothing can replace the future that has so suddenly and cruelly been taken away from them but we hope that as their family, friends and community we can wrap around them and make this incredibly painful time just a little bit easier.

If you are able to contribute, however much, we would be enormously grateful. And if you aren’t in a position to donate, simply sharing this page would mean so, so much to us.

Every penny raised will go directly towards supporting Victoria and Dani Bear as they find their way through the months ahead.

Danny was only 47, He had so much life still to live, so many memories still to make and most of all, so much love to give his little girl. We will make sure she feels and knows that love every single day.

He was so loved and he will be so deeply missed.

Thank you for all the love, messages and support you have already shown our family. It means more than we can possibly say.

With love,

Bear & family ❤️