Glen Howlett Needs Help More Than Ever

Hi, my name is Robert Crain.

This story isn't about me, but I'm part of it. My partner and I moved to WA from NSW just a few months ago.

Back in 2022, we flew across to see my stepson, Glen Howlett, his wife Claire, and their beautiful daughter, Laine. It had been years since my partner had seen her son. Claire made the suggestion at the time that we should move to WA and retire. We listened to Claire, and bought a house in 2023.

I had to visit the doctor regarding a nerve compression injury I have, and he suggested first and foremost that I get a blood test. This resulted in me having to undergo a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. A 3cm cancer was found in my bowel, and I had gallstones.

On March 6, I underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and I had my gallbladder removed. I only recently came home, and am slowly recovering, I'm 52.

Monday, March 25, I received a phone call from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. I was informed that ALL the cancer was removed successfully, and the sample and scan indicate that I'm now 100% cancer free.

The doctors in NSW would not have ordered a blood test. My doctor in here in WA knew exactly what he was doing.

The person I have to thank most though is Claire. I will go to my grave believing that Claire saved my life.

Now, the reason for this GoFundMe.

Claire gave birth to a baby boy, Gibson, on March 22.

Three days later, approximately 2 hours after I found out I was cancer-free, my partner Vicki and I went and sat at a park near the beach to eat lunch.

Whilst there, Vicki received a phone call from Glen, telling her that Claire had collapsed in the kitchen.

About an hour later, Vicki was informed by Glen, that Claire had passed away, she was 33, mother to an almost 2 and a half year old girl, and a 3 day old boy. Everyone is shattered.

I cannot even imagine what Glen is going through.

For the past 10-12 years, Claire was an entrepreneur, operating House of Primrose (wedding flowers), and she was also a much loved school teacher.

Glen and Claire started their life together a dozen or so years ago, after meeting at the same place of employment. It blossomed from there, they got engaged, then married and relocated to WA (Claire was originally from WA).

Glen and Claire built a home in Two Rocks, taking on a mortgage and everything that came with it. They never asked anyone for help, both working hard for what they had.

Now, Glen is in the unenviable position of raising two very young children by himself, and mourning the loss of his wife, and mother of their 2 beautiful children.

Glen was a baker with Woolworths for the past 10 or so years, and recently opted to make a career change, becoming a train driver. He literally only began working there as a driver after undergoing months of training, about a month ago.

He now faces mounting bills, funeral costs and mortgage payments, which he will be able to manage when he can work again, but considering he isn't entitled to any income at the moment, he's really going to struggle financially, so he'll need a hand while he attempts to recover from his loss, and until he is able to get back to work.

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EDIT 27/03/24 - I've just been informed that Glen's employer IS now going to pay his wage, but any donation at this time would be greatly appreciated.

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This is a proud man. He won't accept anything unless he earns it, but right now, he needs all the help he can get.

I'm here asking, begging, for any help that you may be able to offer Glen.

All money raised (besides fees and charges) will be to cover Glen's expenses while he comes to terms with his loss, and until he can return to work.

Any remaining funds will go to his 2 children, Laine and Gibson, to help them as they get older - or Glen may choose to donate remaining funds (if any) to a charity that both he and Claire would believe needs it more.

I, along with Glen and Claire's family and friends, would appreciate any help you may have to offer.