Chris Oliphant is a much loved and admired mother, wife, sister, teacher, colleague and friend. In September this year Chris along with her devoted husband Tom two daughters and son in law travelled to the United Kingdom together for Tom to reconnect with family members who he hasn’t seen since he emigrated to Australia with his parents at the age of seven. It was during the last few weeks of this trip of a lifetime on November 10 that Chris fell ill and was hospitalised in London. It was there that doctors confirmed she has contracted the life- threatening disease of sepsis. The medical team in London placed her in intensive care where she remains under constant 24 hour attention. She has a severe build-up of fluid on her lungs which has restricted her breathing and is constant oxygen to open her airways. Due to the blood poisoning infection she is on dialysis to help alleviate the pressure on her weakened kidneys and help to drain the never ending fluid build-up which is causing further complications. Her organs have taken a battering causing limited mobility.

Due to the dangerous illness Chris is now experiencing she has long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of her. It is unclear at this stage when exactly Chris when will be released from hospital, thereby affecting Chris and Tom’s return to Australia. The illness has been an unexpected financial burden on the family.

The trip was set up to meet Tom’s extended family who all live in Scotland. Tom is now alone in London without the support of family, friends and with his life partner, Chris fighting this debilitating infection, he is also requiring support.  We are setting up this direct fund to help assist support Chris’ recovery and support her husband Tom. Some expenses are necessary to enable their adult daughter Rebecca to fly to London to assist Tom and Chris so that our beloved mother, wife, sister and friend can return to Melbourne as soon as medically possible. The Oliphant family would like to thank you in advance for your generosity. Truly any donation is appreciated and valued in supporting Chris and Tom.