The family of a late Tasman mother have been “taken back” by the community fundraising efforts since her death.
Emma Eyles, who grew up in Tasman before moving to Christchurch in 2021, died in May, just six days after being diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer.
Close friends of the late 41-year-old have since rallied to raise vital funds to support her 10-year-old daughter Monroe.
A recent fundraiser was a horse-riding show titled Emma’s Memorial Show on 13 August at Motueka’s Marchwood Park.
Co-organiser of the fundraiser and close friend of Emma for eight years, Angela Valentine, says she and another close friend of Emma, Kristy King-Turner, dedicated the event to Emma’s strong involvement in the local equine ring, and the event roped in thousands of financial donations.
“Everyone collaborated for everyone to fundraise for Monroe’s future which has been absolutely overwhelming, and we’re all humbled, the family in particular are a bit taken back,” she says.
“The attendance was bigger than a lot of the shows we have here, there was over 130 competitors and over 70 horses entered and on top of that was people coming to watch the show as well.”
Angela says Monroe attended the event and she had “a grin from ear to ear”.
“It was just so special, she actually spoke during the tributes just to thank everyone and as a 10-year-old that just warms your heart,” she says.
“Losing her mum so quickly has been hard but because of the support it is actually making it a lot easier to know that she’s got that support around her.”
Another close friend of Emma, Shelley Sims, says the success of the show was “amazing” and that her successful cupcake fundraiser for Emma’s family at her Brightwater bakery in May, will be held each year on the anniversary of Emma’s death.
“It makes me so sad every time I think about it, just a huge misdiagnosis has ended up with a little 10-year-old girl without her beautiful mum, and I think that’s why people are digging so deeply into their pockets, because this situation is everyone’s worst nightmare.”
Shelley also says Emma’s bowel cancer diagnosis was mistreated and not taken seriously.
Emma had visited her GP on several occasions but was always told she either had irritable bowel syndrome or a gastro bug.
Shelley says she hoped future patients would have better outcomes.
“I would sincerely hope that if they go in at times within a few months, complaining of crippling stomach ache, that they would be told that they have more than depression, and a simple blood test could mean that Emma is still here today,” she says.
Emma’s mother, Laschelle Walker, says she planned to lodge a complaint to health officials.
A hunting competition, hosted by Hampden Hotel in Murchison, to raise funds for Emma’s family is also planned to take place between August 24 and 26.
You can support Emma's family by donating here.
