The Maher family

To our beautiful community,

On behalf of the Maher family, I am fundraising to give a father, Ian, the ability to take a leave of absence for the Christmas holidays - to buy Time to heal their family from their devastating loss of their wife and mother, and my true friend, Penny.

In the early hours of Monday 4th December, our good friend Penny (Penelope) Maher lost her 21-year battle with brain cancer. She was only 45 years old. Since her initial diagnosis, Penny fought so hard through many reoccurrences, winning the battle out of pure determination (some might say stubbornness)! With Ian and her family by her side it didn’t seem like she would ever lose the fight, and so it is surreal that we now find ourselves without her.

Penny is survived by her loving husband Ian, and her two gorgeous boys - Samuel (Year 7 Muirfield High) and Oliver (Year 2 North Rocks PS). They are by far her greatest source of pride and the reason she fought for so long.

 

Many people in our generous community have asked how they can help the family, and with limited paid leave remaining for Ian, the greatest gift we can give them is time. Time to spend together over the Christmas period, and six-week school holidays without the financial burden of unpaid leave. Time for Ian and the boys to be together and ultimately adjust to their life together as a family of three. This gift will be so precious, and all money donated will make it possible.

 

We know that our community is special, and the best way we can think to honour our beautiful, funny friend is to wrap our arms around her family and be the village they need to move forward without her.

 

Thank you in advance for any support you can provide.

 Xx