When Chloe Payne’s best friend lost her little brother, the 11-year-old decided she wanted to help – so she started making bracelets.
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Earlier this year Chloe, of Norwood, made more than 200 bracelets to sell at a fundraising event for Rhys Hodgetts.
The two-year-old died tragically after suffering a febrile convulsion in his sleep in 2016.
His parents have since established the Rally for Rhys Foundation, with the aim of raising awareness and funds to support grieving families.
Chloe continues to support the cause and has been busy making more bracelets, in the hope that it will bring some comfort to a grieving child or adult.
“I was pretty proud of myself raising $1000 for the Rally for Rhys high tea, but when the fundraiser was over I felt like I could still make a difference,” she said.
“So I had the idea to make the friendship bands now for children that have lost someone really special to them, like a sibling or a parent, and I post them a band.
“My bands are made in memory of Rhys Hodgetts and are a way of me showing my support to Rhys's big sister Ammi.”
Since setting up a Facebook page ‘Rally for Rhys Friendship Bands’ Chloe has started sending bracelets to people all over Australia.
Her efforts are also gaining international attention, with Chloe recently sending a bracelet all the way to America.
Her mother Allie said the family couldn’t be prouder.
“We are beyond proud, she amazes us with her kind heart and thoughtfulness everyday,” she said.
“For an 11-year-old to do something so big and meaningful, while expecting nothing in return is pretty remarkable.”
People are able to nominate someone they know who would like a bracelet, on the Rally for Rhys website.
More information can also be found at Chloe’s Facebook page.
The Rally for Rhys Foundation has so far raised close to $28,000, which will be used to establish a mural and memorial seat and to continue to support Launceston families dealing with grief.
A private Facebook page ‘Bittersweet’ is also connecting people in need of grief support.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
