Tributes flow for Brisbane mother Laura Maree Clanchy

Loved ones will rally around a toddler left without his mum after the 35-year-old Brisbane woman, and her unborn baby, died within a month of each other from complications from influenza A and pneumonia.

Laura Maree Clanchy and her partner Brad Davis with their son Hudson. Picture – contributed.

A toddler whose mother died in horrific circumstances after complications from the flu will have a scholarship fund established in her honour.

Friends and strangers alike were to converge on Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast on Sunday to remember beautiful mother Laura Maree Clanchy, 35, and to raise the money she never got the chance to save for little Hudson’s education.

The Brisbane mum died from complications stemming from influenza A and pneumonia, after spending five weeks in hospital — in that time she lost her unborn baby, Finn, and then three limbs.

Laura Maree Clanchy and her partner Brad Davis with their son Hudson. Picture - Facebook/Elk Aesthetics.

The first tragedy came on June 23, days after she had been admitted to hospital with the flu, when the young mum and her partner Brad Davis faced the harrowing reality that their baby Finn must die in order for Ms Clanchy to have a chance of survival.

In the weeks that followed, Ms Clanchy developed pneumonia and an infection which claimed both of her legs an one of her arms.

By July 17 the young mother and business owner was dead.

Mr Davis shared a heartbreaking tribute via a Facebook page for Ms Clanchy’s business, Elk Aesthetics, based in Stafford.

“It is with a broken heart and deep sadness that I post to inform you that our beautiful Laura Maree Clanchy grew her wings,” he said.

Laura Maree Clanchy and her partner Brad Davis. Picture - Facebook/Elk Aesthetics.

“The fight Laura and Finn endured was due to complications with influenza A and pneumonia which ultimately resulted in Baby Finn giving his life up at 32 weeks gestation so his amazing mumma could have the best possible chance of surviving.

“Although as odds continued to stack up and all that could have went wrong, did, Laura continued the fight with courage and pure strength that I am in total awe by.

“I would like to send my gratitude and appreciation to everyone near and far that made Laura’s life amazing, who have reached out, donated, shown love and support and been there for our entire family throughout this heartbreaking and painful time.

“To all of Laura’s beautiful and loyal clients/friends/family, thank you for making my baby’s dreams come true with ELK Aesthetics and I hope we all continue to make her happy, proud and loved as Laura and Finn fly high above us.”

To support Mr Davis and Hudson, close friends Georgina La Spina and Sue Lance launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Ms Lance, of the Gold Coast, had worked for a number of years with Ms Clanchy at Esteem Clinic in Main Beach.

She said Mrs Clanchy was a facilitator at Esteem Academy and would run courses teaching doctors and nurses to correctly administer injectables.

Laura Maree Clanchy. Picture - Facebook/Elk Aesthetics.

“In honour of Laura’s memory and to help secure a brighter future for her son Hudson, we are raising funds for Hudson’s scholarship,” Ms Lance said.

“We believe that collective efforts can make a significant impact. We invite you to join us in making a difference.”

Ms Lance said everyone who worked with Ms Clanchy was devastated.

“She was such a vibrant outgoing person,” she said.

“Everyone loved her.

“She was beautiful inside and out.”

The fundraising campaign for the little boy will be spearheaded by a walk for Hudson on Sunday, August 27 where an army of supporters will meet at the Marina Mirage, Main Beach at 9am and walk into Surfers Paradise.

“We will be wearing green ribbons because it was her favourite colour,” Ms Lance said.

“I’m really hoping for a decent turnout. The more the merrier.

“And any donations made on the day or to the GoFundMe will be going towards Hudson’s education.

“It’s just so sad. Absolutely horrific what happened.”

A heartbroken Mr Davis declined to comment but said he would be attending the walk for Hudson on Sunday.

Laura Maree Clanchy and her partner Brad Davis with their son Hudson. Picture - Facebook/Elk Aesthetics.

The support follows a flood of tributes to the beautiful mother online.

“Laura was the most genuinely kind, funny and beautiful person who has touched so many hearts,” Yvette Linnell said.

Emma-Jane White said she was devastated.

“Laura was an exceptional person whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her,” she said.

“I was honoured to have met her and know her. Her cheeky smile and our belly laughs while injecting me then telling me to sit still, she was a character, one of a kind. Her memory will forever be cherished.

“Baby Finn, though gone too soon, rest in peace little one. Our sincere condolences to you and little Hudson and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through this overwhelming grief.”

You can donate to support the family here.