Loretta Belton and Gaynor Hayward were drawn together as a result of unfortunate circumstances.
While the two were associated through their connections with the Tooleybuc football club, it was the loss of loved ones which brought them closer together.
Having experienced firsthand the difficulties associated with not having a hospice facility within Swan Hill, the duo joined forces in a bid to make a difference.
“It’s heartbreaking to go through losing a loved one at the best of times but to have been so far away from our family was even worse,” Ms Belton said.
“My brother passed away in the Bendigo hospice at 1am and not all of our family made it there to say goodbye.”
Ms Hayward and her late husband also spent time in Bendigo due to a lack of hospice facilities within Swan Hill.
“Nothing is worse than being two and a half hours away from your support network,” Ms Hayward said, noting the isolation was difficult.
She said having to travel for the appropriate care also placed many families under financial pressure.
To read more about this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (March 13).
