The McCarthy Family

The McCarthy Family has endured the most devastating tragedy imaginable, one that no parent would ever want to experience: the loss of their precious baby boy, Grayson.

Emmalyne and David McCarthy welcomed their son, Grayson Lewis McCarthy, into the world at just 24 weeks of pregnancy, following a rush from Wagga Wagga to Sydney. Grayson was only given a 30% chance of survival, and while in Sydney, he encountered challenges, including fluid on his lungs leading to breathing difficulties.

During this time in Sydney Emma was isolated from her family, missed seeing her son Harland start kindergarten, and had to continue to run her business from the hospital with the help of family and friends back home during the busiest time of the year. Back home Dave was juggling their family and business on the ground with the help of Em’s mum Mandi.

After spending six weeks in the NICU in Sydney, Grayson's condition stabilized enough for him to be transferred to Canberra Hospital. This transition allowed Em and Dave to balance caring for their other sons, Aston, Harland, and Jensen, managing their businesses, and taking shifts at the hospital.

Grayson displayed remarkable resilience, enduring a partially collapsed lung, multiple instances of suddenly not breathing requiring life support, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), all while showing determination to overcome these obstacles.

Tragically, on the 1st of May at 11:43 pm, at 13 weeks old, their little warrior Grayson unexpectedly grew his angel wings. This was such a shock as he had fought NEC, was cleared and healthy, and was getting ready to be transferred to Wagga. After his passing it was picked up that he had a twisted intestine causing his body too much stress and unable to breathe.

Grayson was incredibly strong and brave, and fought to the very end. Emma’s last moments with Grayson was having a cuddle whilst giving him his bottle, watching his peaceful eyes gazing lovingly up at her. Aston, Harland, and Jensen have so much love for their little brother. While they have lost him here on earth, they have gained an angel to watch over them from heaven.

During their 13 weeks in the hospital, Dave & Em have had to close down one of their businesses, Aston Blue Creations. They have also had to temporarily suspend their other business, Wagga Event Hire, while they have time to process and grieve Grayson’s passing.

This fundraiser aims to support the McCarthy family during this challenging time by covering Grayson's funeral expenses and providing financial assistance during the temporary closure of their business. Your generosity will be deeply appreciated as they navigate this difficult period.

The funeral will be held on Friday 24th May at St Michael’s Cathederal at 1:45pm.