Thousands raised for funeral of Snake Valley man Edward Smithman

A Snake Valley family has been staggered by the support it’s received following a death in the household.

The Smithman family from Snake Valley.

A small regional community has rallied to support a local family after the sudden death of one of its members.

The Smithman family of Snake Valley, west of Ballarat, is mourning following the death of Edward Smithman on September 9.

His stepdaughter Shayley Grigsby has set up a fundraiser to help her mother pay funeral costs of $9000 and provide general financial assistance given Mr Smithman lacked life insurance or funeral cover.

She said the funeral bill would otherwise “leave her [mum] in a very dire position, especially now that she will be left with only one income.

“Us kids are pitching in whatever we can but I thought I’d swallow my pride and ask if anyone could spare anything,” Ms Grigsby said.

She said the raising of more than $8500 in just four days was “overwhelming” and “bittersweet”.

“We are so blown away with everyone’s compassion,” Ms Grigsby said.

“It has taken a huge pressure off our family during this time.”

The family tragedy follows a devastating fire in 2018 which destroyed the Smithman’s home.

“We lost literally everything except for what we were wearing,” Ms Grigsby said.

“We have had an awful run, to be honest.”

Thousands of dollars were raised at the time to help out the family in the wake of the blaze.