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Help Vicki—a mum recovering from stroke—keep her family warm & secure

  • Why I now need to raise $50,000

      7 September 2026

    Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, or reached out. Your support has helped us through a very difficult time.

    In my last update, I explained why I increased the goal to $20,000: to help keep our home and cover essential food, heating, and utility costs. Those needs have not changed—and neither has the 10 October deadline.

    As I have worked through what recovery and stability will require, it has become clear that Zain and I also need care I cannot afford alone. The cumulative impact of bereavement, my stroke, and other complex circumstances has created a need for psychological care for us both, as well as independent legal advice so I can make informed decisions.

    Zain’s weekly psychological care is estimated at $11,440 over 12 months. My ongoing care, including recommended programmes, is estimated at approximately $5,300. Independent legal advice costs $490 per hour plus GST.

    I want to be transparent about how donations will be used. I am increasing the goal from $20,000 to $50,000 to bring together our urgent housing and living costs, psychological care, and an initial allowance for legal advice.

    I need to reach $20,000 by 10 October and the extra $30,000 as soon as possible. The money will not solve everything, but it would give us a real chance of remaining safely housed and supported while I recover and rebuild my capacity to earn.

    With enormous gratitude,

    Vicki

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  • Why I’ve increased the goal to $20,000

      1 September 2026

    Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared this page or reached out. Your support has already made a real difference, including helping me repair an unsafe gate.

    Unfortunately, my circumstances have become more serious. I have increased the goal from $15,000 to $20,000 because I need to reach it by 10 October for keeping our family home to remain a realistic option.

    I am relying on prescribed nutritional supplements rather than buying additional food for myself, so Zain can have the food he needs for a nutritionally appropriate diet. I cannot afford to heat the house and limit cooking on the gas hobs because of the cost.

    Before my stroke, I had a corporate career and supported my family through my work. I am now actively exploring flexible and less traditional work I can manage within my current capacity, but recovery still limits what I can safely do.

    The fundraiser is now about keeping a roof over our heads and meeting essential mortgage, food and utility costs. Reaching $20,000 will not solve everything or guarantee the outcome, but it would give me a realistic chance of keeping our home.

    If you can donate or share this update, it could make a crucial difference.

    With enormous gratitude,

    Vicki

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  • A little update — and a very big thank you

      8 August 2026
    Main image

    I just wanted to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has donated, shared my page, or sent me a message. I’ve been genuinely overwhelmed by the kindness people have shown me.

    One of the things Rebecca has mentioned was the growing list of jobs around my home that I simply haven’t had the physical or financial capacity to deal with while recovering.

    This week, one of those became rather urgent.

    My gate has been getting progressively worse, and Usha worked out that she can escape. She’s very pleased with this discovery. I am considerably less so.

    Usha was my mum’s dog, and after Mum died, she came to live with my son and me. She is incredibly special to both of us — one of those living, breathing connections to Mum that is impossible to put a value on. The thought of her getting out onto the road is terrifying.

    Because of the money people have so generously donated, I can now get the gate repaired properly.

    It might sound like a small thing, but this is exactly the kind of thing your support is making possible. It means I don’t have to choose between dealing with something that needs fixing and protecting the small financial buffer I’m trying desperately to preserve while I recover and find my way back to work.

    So, truly, thank you.

    You’re helping with far more than bills. You’re giving me some breathing room, and helping me look after my home, son, animals, and life I’ve been working so hard to hold together. ❤️

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  • Thank you & new stretch goal

      3 August 2026
    Posted by: Rebecca Stewart

    Hi everyone,

    Thank you so much for your generosity. We know that many people have given at a time when they are struggling as well. No matter how much or how little, everything is making a difference. So far, the quotes that have come in exceed 30k. Contributions so far will help Vicki make her property safer by fixing the gate ($2115) and getting physical cleaning done.

    Unfortunately, since starting this fundraiser, Vicki's situation has further deteriorated. All further funds will go towards maintaining mortgage payments as Vicki reenters the workforce. Our fundraising goal has now been updated to reflect this reality.

    Thank you again everyone for your contributions, for sharing Vicki's story, and for taking the time to stand with her.

    Rebecca

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  • Thank you so much

      20 July 2026

    I have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown since this page went live. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared it, sent a message, or offered support.

    Learning to ask for—and accept—help has been one of the hardest things for me to do. I have always been more comfortable helping others, but I am beginning to understand that accepting support does not mean giving up my independence.

    Your help is easing some of the physical and financial pressure while I recover. It means I can pay for practical tasks I cannot safely do myself, protect my limited energy, care for my son, and focus on finding a role that provides the support and security I now need.

    I am so grateful to Rebecca, and to every person who has chosen to support my son and me.

    Thank you.

    Vicki

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