A brother who lost everything after the Eaton wildfire in LA

The LA wildfires have affected so many, with life changing consequences. My brother Jamie moved to LA several years ago with his wife Mary. Most recently, they moved to Altadena and made it their home in 2021. Just short of a year later, at the end of 2022, Jamie suffered the tragic loss of his wife when she lost her fight with cancer at the age of 33.

Over the last two years, Jamie has been coming to terms with the loss of his life partner, surrounded by memories they made together in their new home and in LA. He found solace in mountain hikes and riding a motorcycle to help clear his mind. (Both Mary and Jamie were keen hikers and explorers, their love of the mountains going hand in hand with their love of living in LA.)

In the last week after quickly evacuating, Jamie returned to his home, to find it in complete ruins. Nothing could be recovered. All his memories, cherished items including Mary's belongings - gone. A lifetime of memories and possessions, gone in the space of a few hours.

If you're reading this, it's likely because I have circulated it or someone I know has. You may even know Jamie. If you do, you'll agree with what comes next. If you don't, know this - Jamie is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off of his back. Kind, caring, funny, full of life and a good friend. They say you don't choose family, you choose your friends. Jamie is one of those people everyone chooses to have as a friend and those who are family, like me, call him friend and are blessed and proud to call him brother.

I am starting this gofundme in the hope that whatever is raised can help Jamie to begin rebuilding his life. I also hope that it will afford him some new equipment to bring him back out into the mountains and onto the open roads on a motorcycle - where he can continue to try and keep his mind clear and restore his mental wellbeing. As an ex-emergency services worker - I know how important it is to do something you love and keep on top of mental health. I can't imagine the devastation and feeling of loss he's going through right now and although there is nothing I can do change what has happened, I hope to give him a slight boost in getting back on his feet.

I imagine that you, dear reader, have your own commitments in life - and in no way do I expect everyone coming across this to be able to help with a donation. If you can, thank you so much. Likewise, just passing this message on will leave me forever grateful for your time.

Thank you,

Mike - (Jamie's older brother).