SHE was your normal 16-year-old who was athletic, academic and one of those people everyone loved but on January 31, Marnie Clapham’s life changed forever.
On that Friday afternoon, Marnie suddenly became dizzy, resulting in her passing out and being taken to Hawkesbury Hospital.
Once she was announced stable, hospital crews flew her to Westmead Hospital where she was later diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), causing her to suffer a serious brain haemorrhage.
For several days following the incident, Marnie was placed in an induced coma and undertook two brain operations.
Three months later, Marnieis still in the Brain Injury Trauma Unit where she has lost her speech and ability to consume food.
Soon after the incident, friends and families in the Oakville/Pitt Town region started up a ‘Marnie Clapham Fund’ and they now have been granted a charitable status.
Since the setup of the fund, more than $26,000 has been raised for Marnie, her mum Donna Sedgman and two siblings, Britt and Brad. The fundraiser so far has been placed in an account for rent and living expenses.
Ms Sedgman, Marnie’s mum, told the Gazette the generosity of the local community had been overwhelming for the family.
‘‘The compassion they have shown and their generosity has been a really heartfelt response,’’ Ms Sedgman said. ‘‘It’s hard to describe how grateful we are.’’
■ You can donate to the ‘Marnie Clapham Fund’ ABN 92179110301, BSB-062 -000 Commonwealth Bank, ACC - 15289456.
If you would like a receipt, include your name on the deposit description and email the information to denisequinn67@gmail. com.
