Mary Valley mum gets special mention in Canberra

FEDERAL Member for Wide Llew O'Brien today paid homage in Federal Parliament to Mary Valley woman Helen Garrett and her Jake Garrett Foundation

INSPIRATIONAL: Helen Garrett has helped more than 500 grief stricken families through the Jake Garrett foundation. Picture: Renee Albrecht

FEDERAL Member for Wide Llew O'Brien today paid homage in Federal Parliament today to Mary Valley woman Helen Garrett and everything she has achieved through her Jake Garrett Foundation, established following the tragic loss of her son.

'In 2012 a good friend of mine, Helen Garrett, was leading a normal life, happily raising her two children Jake and April,” Mr O'Brien said.

"In March of that year through circumstances beyond anyone's control the Garrett family was struck by the most heartbreaking tragedy when 12-year-old Jake was taken from them as a result of an accident at the family home.

Helen's precious, late son, Jake Garrett. Picture: Contributed

"In 2013, about a year after Jake's passing, Helen's love for her son and concern for those experiencing the loss of a child saw her start the Jake Garrett Foundation.

"The Jake Garrett Foundation was established with the aim of supporting families who are dealing with the burden of losing a child. The Foundation is Australia's only charity whose main purpose is to raise funds for Children's funerals.

Helen Garrett. Picture: Tanya Easterby

"As well as providing specific grief support material for parents, siblings and grandparents, Helen and her team also provide the difficult but valued service of taking hand, foot and fingerprint sculptures which can be framed or turned into jewellery to the parents requirements.

"Since commencing, the Jake Garrett Foundation has helped over 500 families and raised many hundreds of thousands of dollars to help pay for the funerals of children.

"I commend the tireless work of Helen Garrett and her team and encourage people to visit the Jake Garrett Foundation website and donate to this very worthwhile charity.”