By JESSE GRAHAM
IN THE wake of last week’s tragic fatality in Coldstream, the community has rallied around the family of Deborah Kennedy, donating thousands in a matter of hours.
On Sunday, 20 September, 40-year-old Ms Kennedy was killed in an horrific car accident on the Maroondah Highway in Coldstream.
Police believe Ms Kennedy, a learner rider, was travelling towards Lilydale when she under-steered and veered into the path of an oncoming car.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable (LSC) Scott Lardner said the incident was an “unfortunate accident”, and said speed, drugs and alcohols were not considered factors in the crash.
In the wake of the accident, Deborah’s friend of 24 years, Lisa Glassborow set up a crowdfunding page on YouCaring, to raise money for Deborah’s two children, 18-year-old Chloe and six-year-old Thomas.
Less than 24 hours after starting the page on Wednesday, more than $6700 had been donated and the goal for the page updated to $15,000.
Ms Glassborow, a spokesperson for Deborah’s family, said Deborah was a disability support worker with Interchange Outer East who had also worked for Melba Support Services and was a single mum to Chloe and Thomas.
She said in the days following the accident, there had been an outpouring of support from people as far away as England, who paid tribute to Deborah.
“The family are overwhelmed with the support they’ve had,” she said.
“They’ve had so many calls and flowers and offers of help.
“For us, it’s a true testament to who she is – if this was someone she knew and loved, she’d be the first person to do this for them.”
The money raised through the crowdfunding page will go in a trust for Chloe and Thomas, as decisions are made on where they will live in coming months.
“It will just buy them time,” Ms Glassborow said.
“I wrote on the fund-raiser, if we can’t bring Deb back, we can at least help the family move forward.”
Ms Glassborow said the week had been a “total shock”, with the full impact of the incident yet to fully hit home.
“It’s been a very tough and shocking week,” she said.
“We still look at photos and can’t believe she’s gone – it’s not real yet.”
Deborah grew up in the area and attended Mount Lilydale Mercy College and later, Lilydale High School, which is where she and Ms Glassborow met.
She described Deborah as “one of the most well-renowned support managers” in her field, which she said had been exemplified by the support coming from families and people whose lives she had touched.
“She was the most hard-working, fabulous person – and she was just so proud of herself when, as a single mum, she bought her own home a couple of years ago,” Ms Glassborow said.
Deborah Kennedy will be farewelled by family and friends on Tuesday at a service in Woori Yallock, followed by a wake in Coldstream later in the day.
Those attending are asked to wear something bright.
“That’s what Deb was – bright, fun and full of love,” Ms Glassborow said.
“Thunder, lightning and lots of sparkle, is how we’d describe her.”
To donate to the crowdfunding page, visit the crowdfunding page. Those wanting to offer support can also contact Lisa Glassborow at lisa@hatrickcommunications.com.au.
