A promise to our hero, Darrelee

On Wednesday 20th February, the life of a beautiful daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, beloved partner and most importantly, a loving Mother, was tragically and suddenly taken from us.

At only 27 years old, Darrelee Waireti Tuhoro, lost her life in a car accident on the way to her parents home in New Plymouth. She was only 40 minutes away but did not make it. Her younger sister Ambah, and two babies were in the car with her, and because of a split-second manoeuvre made by Daz in her last moments, we are grateful that we did not lose four precious souls. Her baby sister and babies are safe and here with us today because of Darrelee.

Darrelee was born a fighter. Everything she did, she did with full determination and commitment. She was creative and passionate about what she believed in and had achieved so much in her short life, from sporting accolades in her younger years, through to South Seas Film & Television school in Auckland. More recently, she embraced her Maoritanga and was about to embark on her Diploma in Te Reo Maori.

She moved to Australia with her partner, my brother, and together, they started to work towards the life they'd dreamed of. Here is where she discovered she was pregnant with their first born, Zealan. They moved home to raise their son around family, and soon after, Ngahuia, my namesake, was born.

But with all of Darrelee's many achievements, her greatest accomplishment by far was that as a Mother. She was the best Mum to Zealan and Ngahuia. She worked so hard at providing the best for her two babies, everything she did was for them.

Darrelee leaves behind a family who is hurting and will never fully recover from this loss. She leaves behind a partner, who through thick and thin, always found solace in each others arms. She leaves behind a 2 year old and 7 month old who will never get to feel the warm embrace of their Mummy ever again.

This page is for them. Her two precious babies. Her baby sister, Ambah. The lives she gave up her own life to protect. With the support of her family, my brother Ben and our family, and the many lives she touched, we promise that Dazza's babies will always be safe and loved. But with a working Father who has instantly become a single income, stay-at-home Dad, we are looking to raise funds to help Ben and his children in this most difficult time. Help to provide for the upbringing of these beautiful babies, to make this time of transition without their Mum that little bit easier.

We owe that to our hero, Darrelee.