Tragedy as 3 children will grow up without parents after mother's sudden death

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organised by Jeremy Hibbert to help the three children (Image: GoFundMe)

A pair of brothers and one sister have been left without parents following the heartbreaking death of their mother who died suddenly at the age of just 45. Joanne Blacker passed away last week, on August 7, after suffering a tragic brain aneurysm. Just weeks ago, Blacker was volunteering as a team trainer for her youngest son's junior football team at North Sunshine Football Club in Melbourne, Australia, a place that had become a second home for her and her children, Cooper, 12, Lana, 11, and Archer, 10. The following day, she celebrated her parents' birthday before returning home and telling her partner she felt unwell.

Shortly after, she collapsed. Rushed to hospital, doctors discovered severe swelling on her brain. Blacker remained on life support for two weeks before her family made the devastating decision to switch it off. 

Joanne Blacker died suddenly from a brain aneurysm at the age of 45 (Image: GoFundMe)

Now, her three children are being cared for by their grandparents, who are doing everything they can to support them in the midst of unimaginable grief.

The grandfather, who is still working, is facing the challenge of having to now support three children emotionally and financially.

Jeremy Hibbert, member of the football and a friend of Blacker has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial pressure on the family. A community family day is also being planned by the club to raise further funds.

So far, the GoFundMe fundraiser has raised $3,633 AUD (£1,757)  towards the $20,000 (£9,676) target.

Hibbert told the Daily Mail: "Jo was a single mum who did everything for her children. Those kids were her world. She loved the outdoors and loved AFL. She had hopes of playing in the women's league but kept getting injured."

"We want to raise money for anything the kids need so they don't go without. We're not just a footy club. We're a family."

North Sunshine Football Club, where Blacker had been a beloved volunteer and supporter, has come together to support the grieving family, and black armbands were worn by players over the weekend in Blacker's honour. 

The football club posted on their social media accounts in memory of Blacker.

They wrote: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joanne Blacker, a cherished mother to Cooper, Archer & Lana and a dedicated junior trainer this season.

"Jo’s kindness, commitment, and love shaped our junior teams over the past couple years. Last weekend, all teams wore black armbands to honour her memory.

"Our thoughts are with the Blacker family. We’ll be hosting a fundraiser soon and a GoFundMe is already set up—every bit of support helps her children’s grandparents as they step in for Cooper, Archer & Lana."

One person commented: "Condolences to the children and the family! Jo was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold, she will be greatly missed."