Baby fights on as loved ones farewell Helena Broadbent
The baby of a woman who was killed when she was flung from a ute driven by her partner continued her fight for survival in hospital on Tuesday as heartbroken loved ones said their final farewells to her mum.
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Helena Broadbent was “absolutely thrilled” when she learnt she was pregnant with her third child.
Already the proud mum of daughters Bella and Sophie, aged one and two, Ms Broadbent eagerly waited to meet her next little treasure.
But her wish was never met as she was fatally injured when she was flung from a ute driven by her partner, William Wilson, in Keilor Downs on September 28.
She was 26 weeks’ pregnant and spent her final living moments giving birth to baby Helena, named in her honour.
Baby Helena continued her fight for survival in hospital on Tuesday as heartbroken loved ones said their final farewells to her mum.
Family members cried as they paid tribute to Ms Broadbent, 32, during her funeral service in Glenroy.
Her mother, Tracey, said in a statement read on her behalf she would miss her daughter’s “infectious smile and laugh”.
Her older brother, Paul Broadbent, said she was his “world” and vowed to take care of her daughters.
“She was generous, caring, straight down the line,” he said.
“We were all not ready for you to go yet.
“I assure your girls are in great hands.”
Ms Broadbent overcame a great deal of adversity in her life.
She knew the pain of losing a child and was determined to be the best mum she could be.
A photo of her smiling and holding her big pregnant belly was shown among a slide show of happy memories at the funeral.
An online fundraiser has been established for her three daughters: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/214410/remembering-helena-broadbent
Ms Broadbent was the first in her family to complete VCE.
She chased her dreams of being a childcare worker before starting a family of her own.
Ms Broadbent was trying to remove her children’s car seats from Mr Wilson’s car moments before she was flung to her death.
A court previously heard she had dialled triple-0 to report her partner had a hammer and was threatening to kill her.
Police allege the couple argued about dirty nappies in their shared home before Wilson, 35, left in his ute.
She was still on the phone to police when he turned “rapidly” and she fell backward out of the car, a court heard.
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Ms Broadbent suffered catastrophic brain injuries and died in hospital shortly after delivering her baby via an emergency C-section.
Baby Helena remains in a critical but stable condition in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Mr Wilson has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
He will return to court in January.