Amanda Jones (Beeliar)
Camera IconAmanda Jones (Beeliar) Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Grieving family’s|grave struggle

Staff ReporterMelville Gazette

Amanda Jones last week mailed the Gazette a moving letter recounting the sudden death of her young daughter and the financial struggle she now faced to give her the resting place she deserves.

‘On the 27th of June, 2011 my life changed forever,’ Ms Jones said.

‘I still remember every little detail of that day like it was only yesterday.

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‘We are still coming to terms with this as the day before she passed she was well; no runny nose, no cough.

A coroner concluded that Hayley, just five years of age and an epilepsy patient in and out of hospital, had died from bronchial pneumonia.

The loss haunts the family to this day.

‘The funeral was, well, words can’t really explain it,’ Ms Jones said.

‘I remember as I looked out to the crowd, all I saw was a blur of faces.’

Now, with the two-year mark of Hayley’s death coming in June, the cross the family erected at Fremantle Cemetery must come down as grave laws stipulate that a wooden cross must only act as a temporary marker.

‘Until we put up a head stone she will be unmarked,’ Ms Jones said. ‘I can’t bear to think of her there not marked, just grass.’

Amanda said the family’s financial situation means they cannot afford the $3000 it will take for a head stone to be placed at the resting site.

If you can help, please contact Amanda on |0426 961 170.