Struggling family need help to bury loved one
AN IPSWICH family is struggling to cope emotionally as they battle to raise funds to bury a loved one.
The family of Christopher Jones desperately want to say goodbye to their beloved son, grandson and brother, but the financially stricken family can only raise half of the $1500 needed for a funeral.
Mr Jones took his own life on December 12, aged 24.
His sister Shieara Hamilton said the family had raised $800 in the three weeks since Mr Jones died.
"We've tried everything, getting loans, asking family members but we can't get anything," Ms Hamilton said.
"All we want is to be able to say goodbye to my loving brother.
"We just want to make sure that we can say our final goodbyes and lay him to rest."
Ms Hamilton said the family has struggled to meet the upfront cost of holding a funeral.
She said they will be able to raise the money, but are desperate to farewell Mr Jones as soon as they can.
She said the family has been under immense stress in the weeks following Christopher's death.
"My mother and grandmother are breaking down and my other brother is closing himself off."
An act of generosity from the public could help Mr Jones's family lay him to rest.
"It would mean a great deal to us, as he is the first born of the family and it would be absolutely delighted if someone helps us put our relative to rest."
Mr Jones attended Bundamba and Bremer state high schools before taking up a trade as a boilermaker.
She described her brother as a strong but quiet person.
"He was a very strong person. He was very sheltered; he would close himself off to other people and do what he could for other people. He was very depressed."
If anyone would like to make a donation to Mr Jones' family contact Ms Hamilton on 0421 827 766 or by email on sheshe94@live.com.au.
If you require help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
