A heartbroken Queensland husband has shared a beautiful tribute with the world after his wife died suddenly on Tuesday.
Affectionately known as Loz, Lauren Watts was preparing her son Jimmy for his first day of preschool when she tragically died suddenly.
“You were taken from us suddenly yesterday morning while we were getting ready for Jimmy’s first day of prep,” Drew wrote, sharing his grief and love for his late wife on social media.
“Jimmy was so excited for his first day, and so were you.”
Drew described Loz as the “heart of our family” who kept her husband and four young kids “beating with your love”.
“Unfortunately, I think you must have used up all of your own beats on everyone else,” he wrote.
Drew thanked Loz for pulling the family first, through tough times
“ … you kept fighting for the best for all of us when cr*p cards kept getting dealt our way,” he said.
“Your passion was on show in everything you did. You always put everyone before yourself.”
He praised Loz’s determination to do the best for their family and the community. She had recently graduated with a bachelor of nursing science and a bachelor of midwifery from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“You worked harder than anyone should have to to make our family, your career and our life together,” he wrote.
“We had more challenges than most, and met them head on together. I promise that I will nurture Olivia, Will, Jimmy and Jude to be the people we always dreamt they would become.
“Love you, Baby. Forever and ever.”
In just 24 hours, family, friends and even total strangers have raised over $20,000 for the family.
Jacq Lawson, who organised an online fundraiser, said anyone who knew Loz knew she had a “caring spirit”.
“Drew and Lauren spent a lifetime together and built a wonderful family. They stood together facing everything the world could throw at them,” she said.
“This is just incredible. The generosity and kindness everyone has shown is beyond amazing.
“Drew is overwhelmed by the kindness and love people are showing him and the family. He really wished Loz knew how loved she was by so many.”
Ms Lawson said the money would help the family cover the funeral and ease bill stress.
Loz is survived by Drew and their four children, Olivia, Will, Jimmy, and Jude.