Nicholas

Nicholas is only 19, but with a seriously ill veteran parent, he’s faced challenges and uncertainties far beyond his years.

Before he was born, Nicholas’ mum, Joanne, proudly served in the Australian Army, including a deployment in Timor-Leste.

He was only 13 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of melanoma.

“I didn’t even understand what melanoma was or what it would do to Mum – or my sister, Isabelle, and I.” says Nicholas.

As a single mum, Joanne was already doing everything she could to make ends meet. But as her health rapidly deteriorated, she could no longer work.

“When Legacy came in, everything changed… it wasn’t just financial help – the biggest difference was seeing Mum finally feel safe again,” says Nicholas.

Legacy stepped in and ensured Nicholas and Isabelle didn’t have to go without, providing essentials like school books and clothes.

Despite the heavy stress of his mum’s illness, music has been Nicholas’ escape.

He is a talented tenor trombonist who has competed at a state and national level.

“Music is everything. Without music, I don’t know where I would be.”

But having watched his mum battle cancer and now continue to deal with its side effects, Nicholas wasn’t sure what his future would look like when he finished school.

“I had lots of people contacting me asking me to come up to Brisbane and play with some of the best brass bands in the world… but I couldn’t really take a step back and I had to stay home and support Mum and especially support my sister.”

With Legacy’s support, Nicholas has now been able to pursue his dream career and relocate to study a Bachelor of Music at Queensland Conservatorium, one of Australia’s leading performing arts and music schools.

Legacy has assisted Nicholas with living essentials, like rent and food expenses, so he can live away from home and study full-time. 

“I feel more comfortable, I don’t stress about what am I going to eat, how am I going to survive while studying. I feel very humbled being given these opportunities.” 

Nicholas is also supported by his Legatee, Chad, who is more than just a mentor – he’s a friend. 

“I’m very proud of Nick and what he’s doing. He seems to think I’ve done a lot for him, but he’s been very much a self-starter,” says Legatee Chad. 

Every child of a veteran who is seriously ill or has passed away deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential.   

Your gift today is a promise to the families and individuals Legacy cares for that they will always have someone to turn to.  

Your donation will fund life-changing financial, emotional and social support so we can ensure that the Widows, families and children of fallen and injured veterans can thrive. 

Thank you for supporting our veterans’ families! 

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