After the death of two children in separate accidents, a Yallourn North mother’s home and the memories it holds is now more important to her than ever.
To help keep Chris Sporton’s memories close, the community has come together for The Kelso Road Project to raise money and donate time to renovate her home.
“It means that our family will be able to stay here rather than selling and I really want to stay in the house where I raised my family,” Ms Sporton said.
In 2003, the Sportons’ daughter Kristie died at the age of 18, in a “horrible” car accident in Yallourn North.
About two months ago tragedy struck again when their son Luke, aged 26, died in an electrical accident.
“They were both fun loving, genuine people that loved to have a great time,” Kristie and Luke’s sister Nicolle Sporton said.
“Their positive attitude rubbed off on others and it was visible through the huge number of lives they touched while they were here.”
Family friend Monique Decarli said Luke was loved by so many.
“Losing him is like a wound to this town that will never heal,” she said.
“He was so many things to so many people in this town and is one of the reasons we are working together to create this dream for his family.”
Many of Luke’s friends noted he was a “great friend” with a cheeky nature which “was always guaranteed to make you laugh”.
“Sporty was a one of a kind, always there, always making us laugh, always pushing the boundaries but had a heart of gold and was great mate,” Marc Gore said.
“If any family needed some good thing to happen in their life it’s the Sportons, and I would like to help in any way.”
Todd Dobson said Luke was his “best mate”.
“He was my bad influence and I was his,” he said.
Affectionately titled The Kelso Road Project, organisers have already drummed up support from children donating their pocket money, businesses providing equipment and labour, and tradesmen donating their time.
With a goal of raising $30,000 for the renovations, the team have so far gained support from more than 600 members on their Facebook page but are still looking for more people willing to help.
“All tradies are encouraged to lend a hand; we’re looking for plumbers, builders, labourers, painters, engineers, catering team and anything you can do that would be useful – lets us know about it,” Ms Decarli said.
“It is not the Sportons’ losses that make them so special to Yallourn North, it is the amazing strength that they have shown in these inconceivable situations that make them so remarkable.
“It is this strength that has powered the community to start this project and what will get us through to the finished product.”
Renovation works will run from Sunday, 5 January to Sunday, 12 January.
To register interest in helping, message or post a comment on ‘The Kelso Road Project, for Chris Sporton’ Facebook page.
For more information phone Ms Decarli on 0421 108 849.
