In memory of Mark Kufe...

On Tuesday 24 October, 2023, our beautiful friend Maylene got the news no parent ever wants to hear. Her smart, funny, caring, loving, insightful boy Mark had died in a tragic car accident at only 19 years of age.

The four of us (Prue, Narelle, Deidre and Clare) have known Maylene for around 20 years. When we met her she had two little boys, Andre & Jack, and we celebrated with her when Mark was born. When she was pregnant with Gill she became a single mother, and we've watched in awe as she devoted herself to providing for, and loving, her four boys.

Without any financial support, Maylene had no choice but to keep working fulltime. Many a time she would come into work telling us she'd stayed up until 1am making a birthday cake or sewing a dress up costume together, and yet she would still smile and laugh, despite her exhaustion.

Her life has been devoted to her boys. Driving them to football, basketball, dance. Putting every spare penny into their education. In 2010 she met her wonderful partner, Bill, and his children Danielle and Jack. Together with their six children they formed a new family, and earlier this year we were delighted when they finally moved into a home of their own.

Then this. The devastating loss of their Marky boy.

We are doing this gofundme because we are helpless in this situation. We cannot take away our friend's pain, we cannot even share it. All we can do is help her in a practical way. And the truth is, she does not have the money to pay for a funeral. She'll be entitled to only three days bereavement leave from her job, but taking unpaid leave isn't an option thanks to the mortgage payments on their new home. She will literally be taking out a loan to pay for Mark's funeral. How is a mother meant to bury her son then just go back to work?

Maylene never asks for help. She is stoic and brave. But we are asking you for help. Please, even if it is just $10, please help our beautiful friend cover all her costs at this time.

UPDATE: 5pm.

Wow. The generosity of everyone has warmed our hearts. Thank you so much.

We have had some positive news throughout the day. First, it seems possible the TAC will cover Mark's funeral costs. Thank you to those who recommended we look into this.

Second, we believe Maylene will be entitled to more leave from her very supportive employer, who have been wonderful.

This is amazing news, as it means the funds being raised - instead of going straight past Maylene to funeral directors etc - will actually go to Maylene. Instead of worrying about covering her mortgage, paying her bills, etc, she will actually be able to take the time and space she needs to grieve her beloved Marky boy. And she will know that it is the love and support from all of you that has given her this gift.

From the bottom of our hearts - THANK YOU SO MUCH. You have brought us to tears today, with your generosity. Clare, Narelle, Prue and Deidre