In loving memory of Talia
In July 2022 our beautiful daughter, Talia, passed away in her sleep. She was 23 months - 3 weeks away from her second birthday.
It was a complete shock as she was not unwell. She had sniffles from childcare like any other child that age. We have videos of her laughing, squealing and jumping the day before she passed away. Nothing to warn us that in under 24 hours she would grow angel wings and leave this earth.
At the time, Talia was our only child, and it was horrible to lose her, but also our sense of identity as parents – as a mother and a father.
Thankfully we have had Red Nose. We called the help line in those early days of shock and grief. To have someone on the other line who understood really helped. Both my husband and I have wonderful Red Nose counsellors who have helped us navigate this past year, with all the emotions that have come with it.
The lead up to Red Nose Day coincides with Talia’s anniversary and birthday. Fundraising for this wonderful charity seemed the perfect way to honour her.
I thought it would be a good way to get people who may have given me flowers on Talia’s anniversary or birthday to give to something meaningful instead. I honestly thought I might raise $500 but we far exceeded our target. Our friends and family, work and outer network of people just gave.
Talia was one of those children who just touched people. I believe that her story has resonated with people and they gave generously.
We have a wonderful story from her childcare who asked the children to wear pink in honour of Talia on her anniversary. They asked parents to give to Red Nose. The manager advised her manager who was so touched it became something that was done at several Good Start centres and even more money was raised.
The most memorable part was seeing complete strangers or people I didn’t know that well, give to Talia’s fundraiser and how it touched their lives or changed them.
A person I know from work, but not well, donated. When I thanked her, I found out she donates every year to Red Nose as her sister gave birth to a stillborn child 12 years ago. I would never have known that story and been able to understand her loss if not for the Red Nose fundraiser.
We have reached another memorable part in our lives and I know our angel Talia will be looking down lovingly on her baby brother Tate who was born in late May this year.
I’m not sure I will be able to raise as much as we did last year, but we have opened up a fundraiser for this year’s Red Nose Day in memory of Talia. We will always support Red Nose and do what we can to give back. My husband and I work for big corporate companies - I would love to get some corporate sponsorship to raise more money.
Reach out to Red Nose for support. The free Red Nose Support Line is available 24/7: 1300 308 307.
There are many ways to get involved in this year’s Red Nose Day. You can fundraise in honour of a little life, host a Red Nose Disco or buy merchandise.
Red Nose Day aims to raise $1 million this year, to help save little lives and support grieving families. To register or donate visit rednoseday.org.au.
