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The Grahams have suffered unfathomable loss already in 2024 and the Mildura community has rallied around them

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the city of Mildura has rallied around the Graham family, following the harrowing loss they have dealt with in early 2024.

The Graham family has suffered imaginable loss in 2024.
The Graham family has suffered imaginable loss in 2024.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the city of Mildura has rallied around the Graham family, following the harrowing loss they have dealt with in early 2024.

The family first suffered a tragic blow with the suicide of Jezz Graham, a cherished son, brother and uncle, who was also a popular football and cricket player for Irymple.

His untimely death on February 27 left the family and community reeling.

Then, compounding their grief, the family patriarch, Steven Graham, died suddenly on April 29, leaving his wife Kylie and their daughter Demi overwhelmed by loss.

“The amount of support and love we have behind us is so nice. We are truly lucky to be supported by such a supportive community,” daughter Demi Graham told the Herald Sun.

In response to the family’s crisis, Demi’s close friend, Livinia Erskine, started a GoFundMe campaign to help with any financial pressures faced by the Grahams in the wake of their tragic losses.

Ms Erskine writes on the GoFundMe page, “Kylie has already shown us how strong of a person she is, we would like to offer assistance in the hope we can help ease the burdens of everyday life.”

The fundraiser has, incredibly, raised nearly $8500 in just three days.

“We’re in shock at how generous people have been. It has been such a beautiful gesture,” Ms Graham said of the fundraiser.

Funds being raised are set to cover the costs of the two funerals with anything left over to be set aside for the family as they navigate life without their beloved husband, father, son, and brother.

Help is at hand

Key national 24/7 crisis support services include:

• Lifeline 13 11 14; lifeline.org.au

• Suicide Call Back Service; 1300 659 467; suicidecall backservice.org.au

• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978; mensline. org.au

• beyondblue 1300 224 636; beyondblue.org.au

• conversationsmatter. com.au

Key national youth support services include:

• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; kidshelp.com.au

• headspace 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au

• The “Can We talk” campaign also is working with Mindframe; mindframe-media.info

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/mildura/the-grahams-have-suffered-unfathomable-loss-already-in-2024-and-the-mildura-community-has-rallied-around-them/news-story/44933241e4aad284059d4f41f5440560