Emergency travel to support grieving and sick parent.

My name is Mariska and I have lived in New Zealand for the past 21 years. I am originally from Holland and my parents still live there. I have learnt in the last week that my dad had been pronounced terminally ill and was going into hospice palliative care, to top it off my mum had a stroke the day after this news and is now submitted to hospital. I have no siblings in the Netherlands so the main responsibility for their care falls on my shoulders. We were able to visit them four years ago as a family, but have not been able to return since due to financial strain.

I'm working desperately to find a way to afford flights, and the government's latest law coming through stating I potentially have to pay for my own quarantine. Together this will be in the vicinity of $10000. I did not have time on my side due to the fast deteriorating health of my dad. Its with a heavy heart and much sadness I write that he passed away before we where able to get everything organised to say our final goodbyes. If you can find it in your heart to help me bring the finances together to be able to give my father a dignified farewell and be present at his funeral, put their affairs in order and to assist my mum in her future ongoing care. The doctors have indicated she will not be able to go back to independent living. She are reliant on me and it breaks my heart to be at this distance while she is in the care of ever-changing nurses and health professionals (even though they are fantastic at their job) without her daughter nearby. It would mean the world to my mum to be able to see me and be with her only close family in this very difficult time, as it would to me.

These old-timers have been through the war and have had a very trailing life. All they have is the love shared by their family on the other side of the world. I never anticipated when I moved to NZ to be in such financial strain I would not be able to support them or see them. Your donation and generosity however small will never be forgotten and is very much appreciated

On behalf of my parents my sincere thanks

Blessings Mariska Lochead

(This was originally a "go fund me" page. We have been advised to change it to a "give a little" and close the gofundme page as gofund me is not supported in NZ. We want to thank the people that already have donated from the bottom of our hearts and want you to know we really appreciate your support in this trying time)