Love & Light For Lauren
On Mother’s Day 9th of May 2021, a beautiful young twelve year old girl went for a walk but never returned home.
Her name was Lauren Rafferty.
This tragedy was a shock for the community - but it's devastating for the family, especially to lose a daughter on Mothers day.
Lauren's family is shocked and heartbroken, and now have the added pain of unexpected costs to lay her to rest.
It is time for us as a community to come together to support the grieving family at this traumatic time.
Please help this family find some sense of closure with a beautiful and respectful burial and memorial.
Lauren was a beautiful, funny, and clever young girl who deserves a beautiful memorial.
Please, give whatever you can, or share this post to help support the grieving family to lay Lauren to rest.
#LoveAndLightForLauren
We ask that in Lauren's honour and memory, that you #LeaveALightOnForLauren every Mother's Day, and practice kindness to others. Always.
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I (Kate - the fundraiser creator) am a friend of Lauren's mother, who is the intended recipient of the fundraiser's donations.
The funds will go towards covering the funeral costs and supporting the family during this extremely traumatic time. The majority of the funds raised will be spent on stonework with a small proportion on bills that have accumulated and education for the family.
Laurens Mother is added as the beneficiary of the fundraiser, and would like to state:
"The world changed that day Lauren died. Such talent, charisma, beauty and wit no longer here.
Daily life without Lauren is agonizing.
I really would like to thank everyone who has donated. The unexpected outpouring was overwhelming at times. I am grateful. So many familiar names, strangers and anonymous people meant a lot.
To my beautiful neighbours and friends who stayed with me all night searching while police and SES also searched. You are amazing.
Kate is one of those amazing neighbours, Kate (and others) spent hours with me as I agonised, searched, and eventually broke from bad news. The worst news a parent can receive.
When I discovered the Go Fund Me had been created and donated to me, it gave me the courage and privilege to give Lauren a beautiful public farewell. Her life had value, and she will always be missed.
I would like everyone to realise how precious our lives are and please leave a light on for Lauren on Mother's Day, to show your care and support for mental health. "
