Ollie Holmes: Clarendon Vale throws party for sick boy, 12
A small Tasmanian community is rallying behind a single mum and her two young boys, one of whom is suffering from a brain tumor. HOW YOU CAN HELP >>
Tasmania
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A small southern Tasmania suburb is rallying behind a single mum and her two young boys after she received “every parent’s worst nightmare”, the news 12-year-old Ollie Holmes’ brain tumour.
Family friend Belinda Keefe said the community of Clarendon Vale, on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, was throwing its arms around Barbara, Ollie and Ollie’s younger brother Rory.
“We’re putting a special day together for Ollie to help ease Barbara’s pain of having to bury her son in two weeks or even earlier,” Ms Keefe said.
“So many people have reached out and donated wonderful things, it will be a wonderful day for Ollie.
“He may not be able to attend for very long.
“Each day he wakes up and is deteriorating more and more.
“We’ll all able to support Rory.”
Ms Keefe said Ollie was diagnosed with a brain tumour after he became ill at his school late last year.
The community, including the boys’ school, John Paul II Catholic Primary School, which continues to send meals and groceries to the Holmes family, fundraised to send the family to Melbourne to get treatment for Ollie.
“We were all hoping and praying treatment would work,” Ms Keefe said.
“But only a week and a half ago, after an MRI in Hobart we got the news no-one was hoping for.
“It was every parent’s worst nightmare – there was nothing they could do for Ollie.
“Palliative care is set up, he’ll be comfortable at home until his time comes.”
Ms Keefe described Ollie has a “happy go-lucky boy” whose dream was to become a famous YouTuber – his online friends have been a great comfort to him, she said.
She reserved especial praise for Barbara, for whom this is a second tragedy to befall her family – the boy’s father passed away just months before Ollie’s diagnosis.
“She’s a fantastic mum and very strong,” Ms Keefe said.
“But she’s completely numb at the moment.
“She’s doing the best she can but she’s not coping well.
“Barbara’s been unable to work with what’s going on and has the burden of having to worry about his funeral.
“She’s a proud, wonderful woman who would give the shirt off her back.
“I can’t imagine how it feels for Barbara.
“This news has turned my world upside down and I’m just a friend.”
A fundraiser for Ollie’s funeral costs has so far raised $1085.
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