Geelong girl Tahlee Stephens loses beloved mum Kristy Stephens

Tahlee Stephens is being cared for by her great-aunt after losing her mother, with friends and neighbours stepping up to support the spirited nine-year-old.

Tahlee Stephens pictured with her mum, Kristy, who died in May.

A bright, bubbly nine-year-old primary school student is facing life without her mum who recently died after ongoing mental health challenges.

Tahlee Stephens is being cared for by her great-aunt after the death of her mum, Kristy Stephens, in late May.

Ms Stephens’ friend, Fiona Morris, said the Geelong community was rallying around Tahlee to support her.

“I knew Kristy for 20 years,” Ms Morris said.

“She worked in childcare and was a big advocate for children’s voices.

“She’s left behind little nine-year-old Tahlee.

“Tahlee is absolutely gorgeous … outgoing, bubbling, and just an absolute firecracker.”

Ms Morris said Tahlee was a “bright little bubble”.

“She doesn’t take life seriously at all. She comes into a room, and she’ll be singing a song, dancing around …. she marches to the beat of her own drum, and is free willed.”

Ms Morris remembered her friend as a “one-eyed” Geelong supporter, a trait she passed down to her daughter.

Tahlee Stephens pictured with her mum Kristy who died in May.

She said Tahlee’s great aunt, Sue, was the only family member able to care for her.

“She’s welcomed her with open arms and treats her like one of her own,” Ms Morris said.

But Ms Morris said the cost-of-living crisis would put pressure on the family.

“It’s a big responsibility when your kids have grown up, and you’ve got grandchildren, to start looking after a nine year old,” she said.

Ms Morris said the family was already extremely grateful for the support they had received from the Geelong community.

A GoFundMe page set up by Ms Morris had raised more than $1950 as of 4pm Thursday.

“She was blown away … she wasn’t expecting anything at all,” Ms Morris said.

Ms Morris said “looking to the future”, these funds would help Tahlee live a full and happy life.

“Donations will also help with school uniforms, money for books, and other things high school kids need.”

Search “Fundraiser for Tahlee Stephens and family” on GoFundMe to donate.

For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Barwon Health mental health, drugs and alcohol triage on 1300 094 187.

Originally published as Geelong girl Tahlee Stephens loses beloved mum Kristy Stephens