THE death of a child spurred on one Lake Macquarie mum to help other grieving families.
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In 2008, Rachael Blaxell lost her five-month-old daughter, Lilli Eileen, to sudden infant death syndrome.
After her experience, Mrs Blaxell realised there was a gap in support services for families who had lost a child.
So, she established Lilli's Wish of Hope to help other families who had lost their babies under tragic circumstances by providing a place to grieve away from the pressures of everyday life.
Every year more than 3500 Australian families lose a child to sudden infant death syndrome, stillbirth, miscarriage, accident or sudden unexpected death in childhood.
For more than two years, Lilli's Wish of Hope has supported families across Australia and has sent 30 families on holidays to grieve their loss privately.
Last month, the charity received a donation of $13,346 from staff at the Newcastle Permanent Building Society.
Mrs Blaxell said the money would greatly help the charity to send families away to grieve.
"They really need the time away to grieve privately together," she said.
The charity hopes to one day establish a permanent residence for family respite.