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In memory of Hollie Brown

By Michelle Collica

🌅 Hollie’s Light: 31 Sunrises for Mental Health 🌅

This July marks two years since we lost our beautiful Hollie — a daughter, sister, and bright spark in all our lives. ❤️‍🩹

Hollie faced some incredibly tough times as a teenager. She was deeply affected by bullying at school, and her world changed forever when she lost her dad to leukaemia at 16. In her courageous struggle she unintentionally lost her life.  Despite it all, Hollie carried a light within that touched the lives of those of us around her. Her warmth, laughter and deep empathy are just a few of the things we miss every day.

To honour her memory and continue sharing the light she gave so freely, we’ll be walking each day at sunrise this July — 31 mornings for youth mental health, raising awareness and funds for those walking similar paths.

We’ve partnered with Youth Focus, an organisation that offers free mental health support to people aged 12-25.

💛 The Challenge

• When: July 1–31, 2025

• What: A daily walk at sunrise (or sunset)

• Why: To shine a light on youth mental health and walk in solidarity with others

• How:

• Take a photo of each sunrise (or sunset) 🌅

• Share a reflection, memory, or message about Hollie

• Tag @HolliesLight so we can walk this journey together


On Saturday July 12th — the weekend closest to the day Hollie left us, and coincidentally her Dad’s birthday — we’ll come together at sunrise for a short walk to remember her and celebrate her light. 🌸

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My Updates

Day 31 of 31 Sunrises

Friday 1st Aug
This morning was bittersweet knowing it was the last day of Hollie’s Light as I got up early to head to Monument Hill in Freo to catch the sun as it rose.  It was a beautiful morning and the sunrise was spectacular for our last day 🥹 

Today I have a lot of feelings…I’m sad that the month is over but just so grateful for everyone that got involved in my little idea. What began as me wanting to do something small to make good out of a pretty shitty situation has turned into a quite beautiful, and much larger thing than I ever imagined. To every single person that got up early to go for a walk,  shared photos of a sunrise (or sunset), donated their money, shared memories of Hollie or photos that they had with her and have sent messages of love and compassion to our family, thank you so much 🫶🏻  This has been a group effort and it took every single one of you to make it work. And work it did…we’ve raised over $12,000 which I’m so incredibly proud of 🥹

When the ideas for this came together, I didn’t really know how it would look but I knew what I wanted to achieve…I wanted to honour Hollie by raising money for youth mental health so that maybe other families would not have to go through the pain that we have. I wanted to remind the world that she lived, she mattered and she is not forgotten ❤️ We certainly achieved most of my goals, we may never know if we’ve saved some lives but if what we raised goes a little way towards that and helping young people with their mental health (and thus avoiding addiction) then I feel like I’ve achieved my goal. 

I went down to the beach tonight to watch the last bit of light disappear from July - our first Hollie’s Light month. It was a breathtaking sunset that had an afterglow that lasted for ages 🥹 

So that’s it for 2025, and by very popular demand, see you in 2026 💫💛

Day 30 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 31st Jul
This morning was sunny and a bit fresh (read cold) as I set out with Tilly and Lola for our walk down to the Marina. The days are getting a bit longer now and I’ve really noticed it as I’ve been catching both the sunrises and sunsets (although only posting sunrises mostly) all month. I don’t get as much of a sleep in anymore!! 

Hollie loved (actually obsessed is a better word!) skincare and makeup, and had a lot of it! She had a big makeup mirror with lights all around it and even had a little skincare fridge on her dressing table. She would spend ages there doing her skincare and makeup routine, sometimes filming it for TikTok or YouTube! (I’ll refer you to her socials to see what I mean!) I can still picture her at her makeup desk, sitting on her stool, one knee up (always), putting on her makeup. It’s a core memory for me. Gosh I miss the everyday stuff like that ❤️‍🩹

Day 29 of 31 Sunrises

Wednesday 30th Jul
This morning was just beautiful! It was crisp but such a gorgeous morning and I really tried to make sure I enjoyed the fact that we have such a beautiful coastline and are so blessed to live close by it. 

Hollie and Tori 🩷 I waited until there was a sunny morning to photograph for my post with my girls because when I think about them together it brings me that kind of warmth, “feel good sun on your back in winter” kind of warmth and it makes me smile to think of them together in better times. 
When Hollie was born, Tori was besotted. There’s a 7 year age gap so Tori was like Hollie’s second Mum, changing nappies and playing with her as soon as she came home from hospital. Hollie idolised her big sister when they were younger and always wanted to dress up in Tori’s clothes and hang out with Tori’s cooler friends. As they got older, they got closer and the hangouts  were a bit more fun and involved calling out Sisterrrrr when they saw each other, dancing (a little less co-ordinated on Tor’s aide!), always an episode of Friends, some Maccas Nuggs and a drink or 2 🍹🍹

Day 28 of 31 Sunrises

Wednesday 30th Jul
Last night rained constantly so I knew when I woke up this morning I’d be battling to get out for a walk…as it turned out, the clouds cleared away and the sunrise was beautiful! 

Today as we near the end of Hollie’s Light for 2025 (yes I think we will go again next year, due to overwhelming demand!) I’ve been reflecting on the incredible contribution of everyone collectively to reach over $10,000 for Youth focus WA. When I had this idea and floated it with Youth Focus I had no concept of what we would raise, I maybe thought a couple of thousand? Around the 2 week mark, someone said to me that I should expect that we are at about 80% of what we will get total - because that’s how fundraising goes. You get a lot of enthusiasm in the first couple of weeks and then the momentum dies off…not this time buddy!! It has remained steady the whole time and now we sit at nearly $10,500. That blows my mind, that we could do that in a month! I think Hollie would be really proud…I know I am 🩷

Day 27 of 31 Sunrises/Sunsets

Monday 28th Jul
As I get towards the end of the month I’m starting to feel a bit sad that’s it almost over. This morning was terrible weather and as I haven’t had a sleep in past 6:45 in weeks I decided to lie in a bit as it was pouring outside and try my best to get a sunset pic instead (which I did!)

I didn’t talk about Hollie on my photo today. I felt quite sad which I’d put down to missing her. Sometimes grief grabs you out of nowhere and takes your breath away. Yes, even after 2 years, because grief has no timeline ❤️‍🩹

Day 26 of 31 Sunrises

Monday 28th Jul
It was a sensational morning this morning for Derby Day! Not a cloud in the sky, no wind either but icy cold 🥶 I headed down the beach this morning which was gorgeous!

Since it’s the Western Derby today (AFL) I thought it very relevant to talk about Hollie’s love for the Fremantle Dockers! She grew up going to games with her family at Subi oval in her Grandad’s corporate box.. She would watch games at home with me and later on with her boyfriend Zac, and get very passionate, especially when the games were close. She would love how they are playing now 💜⚓️

Day 25 of 31 Sunrises

Monday 28th Jul
It was a beautiful morning and Claude decided to join the dogs and I for a quick walk before he left for work. The “feels like” temp was about minus 2.5 degree so it was another very fresh morning! 

Hollie had a few dislikes…
- 🥦 broccoli - it was a never ending argument when she was little to try and get her to eat the “little trees” (to no avail!) and she never did grow to like it! 
- 🍤🦞Seafood - hated most seafood but would go nuts for a piece of salmon, go figure! 
- 📺 Home and Away the tv show. She even cried once when it was on (admittedly she was sick!) because she hated it so much 😂
- 🎤Taylor Swift - this was a massive annoyance of Tori’s who loves Tay Tay and especially the vintage songs. For some reason Hollie preferred shitty rap over pop! 
- 🦶🏻Her toes - don’t ask me why as I always tried to convince her that her toes were perfect but she hated them! 
- 📝 High School - this one makes sense when you realise how much of the time Hollie spent in the the girls toilets texting me, asking to come home because the girls who bullied her everyday had been mean AGAIN. It was not a happy place for her 😢

Day 24 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 24th Jul
This morning was probably the coldest morning all year here in Perth. The wind-chill factor made the “feels like” temp about half the actual temperature so I had to walk extra fast this morning to get some warmth into my bones!! 

Hollie loved anything pink, sparkly and diamantés! (She definitely got that from me!)
On more than one car, she lined the entire interior with diamanté stickers, much to Nic’s frustration, who had the job of removing them 🫣 She also covered books, her bedhead, her (very expensive) microphone, and multiple other surfaces! 🩷
One week to go! 

Day 23 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 24th Jul
Last night we had a LOT of rain but it cleared up for just enough time to get a quick walk in. We got a bit wet coming home but I’m loving our morning walks together so it was worth me having to towel dry both dogs when we got inside! 

Hollie and my Mum had a really special relationship. Hollie called her Gamma and they would ring and text each other frequently. Hollie’s middle name is Jenifer after Mum. Mum was one of her biggest cheerleaders when it came to her singing and never missed an opportunity to celebrate Hollie’s successes, no matter how small. Mum would take her for little outings, which I know Hollie loved (usually involving Maccas). I know Mum misses their catchups a lot ❤️

Day 22 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 24th Jul
This morning was quite cold but the dogs and I went on a bit longer walk today and headed out to the point of North Coogee overlooking the power station. It was a great view out to Rotto and back towards the coast. 

WEEK 3 UPDATE

Today we sit at a total of $8650!! When I had this little idea back in June I never imagined we could raise this amount of money. At this stage I’m willing to believe we could make the $10k mark by the end of July and THAT would be amazing! Imagine what that could do for Youth Focus?  Well I’ll tell you what $8000 can do…
- $8000 can help fund 12 months of mentoring for 4 young people, to help them transition out of counselling and develop a positive, supportive relationship with a mentor
- $8000 can contribute towards 8 group counselling sessions for families, to help families build their ability to support each other and foster positive connection 
- $8000 can provide 40 life changing counselling sessions with a Youth Focus counsellor to a young person/s

We are making such a huge difference and for that…thank you so much❤️

Day 21 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 24th Jul
It was a still and sunny morning and Claude decided to join the dogs and I quickly before he left for work. We are at the point where the dogs are up and about each morning staring me down until I leave for our walks so there’s no chance of me not going any more!! 

Anyone who knew Hollie knows she loved to fake tan (and took it to new levels!!)
Bondi Sands was her tan of choice and on tanning days (and for days after) her room would reek of it! She often over tanned her hands and they’d be orange stained and so would her sheets! Conveniently she would tan just before dinner so she couldn’t help clean up for fear of getting a splash of water on her 🧡

Day 20 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 24th Jul
This morning we decided to walk along the beach close to our house. It was cold but beautiful and the clouds on the horizon were a beautiful pink from the reflection of the sun 🩷

Being that it’s a Sunday I thought it’s a good day to talk about Hollie’s strong faith in God. It was the one thing that always kept her anchored and she always turned when she was struggling 🙏🏼 From the time she was a little girl she loved going to church with her family and loved to talk about her love of God ✝️  In 2019 she made the decision to get baptised which was made extra special by doing it at the same time as her Auntie’s Nat, Mandy and Nikki and Uncle’s Ben and Max 🥹 I love the thought that we will see her again in Heaven one day 😇

Day 19 of 31 Sunrises

Sunday 20th Jul
This morning I got up early, crept out so as not to wake Claude and went to Monument Hill again. As I walked around the war memorial to take photos, there were quite a few other people doing the same on their morning walk as the sunrise was so spectacular 🌅

Hollie had a few quirks and one of those was she loved pot plants and had them lined up on her windowsill in her bedroom! They all had names…a few of the ones I remember were Bob, Anastasia, Angelique, Kevin, Lola and Phalange (a Friend’s - the tv show - reference) 🪴🪴🪴
(The Friends Phalange clip here: https://youtu.be/DrwVB4vMx-Q?si=9nN6XSScHRIroNnZ)

Day 18 of 31 Sunrises

Sunday 20th Jul
Ok I have a confession…this morning I did not take the sunrise photo 😱 I did look out the window and see it but as I had terrible insomnia (grief things!) I finally got to sleep at 3:30am so my beautiful husband told me to stay in bed and went and took the picture for me! I went for my morning walk at 9am after a little sleep in 🫣 It was such a gorgeous morning and I was refreshed for the rest of the day after that! 

Hollie’s biggest passion of all was singing. She started singing at a very young age. She would sing everywhere….on the toilet, in the shower, in her bedroom, in the car - she never stopped! She had a musical talent that was extraordinary . She sang in “Lakeside Idol” at 7, auditioned for Australian Got Talent at 10, joined Australian Girls Choir in Year 5, and was accepted into WAAPA (WA Academy of Performing Arts) in 2022 and again in 2023 (where Hugh Jackman among many other greats went!).She has written and recorded her own song about her battle with mental health, and sung many covers (and done them justice). Her voice could always be heard around the house and it’s one of the things I miss the most 🎤🎶 


Day 17 of 31 Sunrises

Friday 18th Jul
Today I decided to go a bit “higher” for my sunrise pic so Claude and I went to Monument Hill in Freo. It was a fabulous view and we saw the most gorgeous sunrise and the scattering of clouds made for a pretty sensational photo for my post today 🌅

Hollie loved her big brother Nic. There was 5 years between them but they were born in the same month so they called themselves “September Buddies” 🥹 She would always go to him for advice on anything and if she was doing anything wrong, he would always give her a bit of tough love…especially after their Dad died. They had a special bond and they would spend ages on the phone chatting when he moved out and they were missing each other. I know he misses his September Buddy so much now ❤️‍🩹

Day 16 of 31 Sunrises

Friday 18th Jul
This morning was another beautiful Winters morning. A little bit cold but beautiful skies, no rain, just a few clouds. I took both dogs on my own for the first time (usually someone is with me to take Lola, our 15 month old puppy) so I think I was taken for a walk today!!

Hollie’s was really good at putting on different accents, but particularly English (must be the pommy in her from her Grandad Beevis)!  She would walk into the kitchen in the morning and say “Ello Moomee…wots for breekfast then” 😂 She once went through the Maccas drive through with her bestie Emily and stayed in character the entire time 🍟

Day 15 of 31 Sunrises

Wednesday 16th Jul
Last night Tori and Mila (my gorgeous granddaughter) stayed over so my walk this morning was extra special! The Marina was beautiful and still and the sky was gorgeous in the soft morning light.

I was thinking this morning about how organised Hollie could be. All her drawers were “Marie Kondo’d” and super tidy! She would always hang things out on the clothes line with matching pegs. At one stage, she took over cleaning the house for me from our cleaners (I had to pay her of course!!) and she did a better job than anyone (even me I think 😂!) She liked everything in its place and hated areas to be messy. She was very good at tidying up after me in the kitchen when we would have people over. She would even clean my wardrobe up for me if it was messy because it would annoy her so much! 

WEEK 2 UPDATE:
It’s been a big week of emotions and some beautiful but chilly mornings. Every day has brought something new to think about and it’s been really healing to think of a different thing each day to add to my sunrise pic because it’s made me think deeper about Hollie and what she brought to our lives and the funny little quirks she had! I’ve had so much feedback and messages of support - saying that they are loving hearing the stories of Hollie every day and please keep them coming. Which is really heartwarming to hear because when I’m typing them, it does occur to me that it might only be me that’s interested!! This week we had David’s birthday (Hollie’s Dad) on Saturday which is always another emotional hurdle for our family to get through. We “celebrated” by going out for brekky and then we went to the cemetery. Sunday was the Hollie’s Light Walk and yesterday was the anniversary of her death so it’s been a massive few days…I’m completely emotionally exhausted! But…the total we’ve raised tonight is just short of $7k. What?? If something had of told me in the beginning that’s what we could raise, I would’ve laughed, but here we are 🥰 I’m astounded at people’s willingness to be generous and give when it involves other people’s health and wellbeing. It makes me believe that the world really is good. And Hollie’s Light is shining 💫💛

Day 14 of 31 Sunrises

Tuesday 15th Jul
This morning I woke with a heavy heart as it is 2 years to the day that Hollie passed away. Of course I didn’t feel like going for a walk at sunrise but I knew it would make me feel better, so I got dressed and went down to the beach. There was a break in the clouds and the faintest bit of pink reflected even though it was raining 🥹

I really struggled with a memory to write today so instead I just decided to write how I felt. 

To my beautiful Hollie girl…2 years without you 💔 You are so desperately missed. My heart knows there is always something missing. I am incomplete without you here. All day I tried to put into words how I feel but the truth is, there aren’t words adequate to describe the hole you’ve left. 2 years has gone by so fast and yet it feels like a lifetime since I cuddled you and looked into your blue eyes. 2 years that the sun hasn’t felt quite as bright. Love you with all my heart and then some, Mum 💗🦋💗🦋

Day 13 of 31 Sunrises

Monday 14th Jul
Today was Hollie’s Light Sunrise Walk. As we drove towards the city to meet at the South Perth Foreshore, the golden glow of the sun beginning to come up was already showing and I have to admit that at this stage, I was already beginning to get a little teary. 
As we arrived and got out of the car, we were greeted with the most incredible view…the river looked like glass, dead flat and the city reflection in it was like a photograph. As people started to arrive and the glow of the sunrise grew brighter, I started to realise this was going to be pretty special. 
We had no idea who would turn up or how many people as we had no RSVP so my expectations were maybe a few close friends and family. One after another, friends and family started arriving and I began to realise how much Hollie was loved and the influence she had had on people’s lives in the too short time she had on earth. Friends of Hollie’s from primary school, friends of Hollie’s I’d never met, a Mum of one of Hollie’s friends came alone because her daughter didn’t wake up in time; one of Hollie’s best friends is overseas but her boyfriend and stepdad came; people drove from Myalup and Serpentine (that’s a very early morning when you’re meeting at 7am!!); and so many other people who came to support me and my family, who may or may not have known Hollie but love us. It was so overwhelmingly beautiful 🥹
We walked along the river and the sunrise was absolutely breathtaking…everyone was in awe 🥹 Hollie’s Light was on full show today 💫 We talked, laughed, cried, told stories about her, and the love and sense of just how special this had become was not lost on any of us. In fact, many people asked me to do it again next year. 
To everyone who got out of bed early to come and support us, who walked with us, and honoured my beautiful girl, thank you 💛 I am so deeply appreciative of you. 
And then the reason…because mental health really matters. We’ve raised $6500 as of tonight, that’s incredible!! Together we’ve made a huge difference. And maybe we’ve stopped another family going through what we have. Hollie’s Light truly shone today and I’m pretty bloody proud of us 🥹💛💫

Day 12 of 31 Sunrises

Sunday 13th Jul
This morning was a sunrise reflection over the ocean as we were on our way to brekky for David’s birthday…it was a rainy and cloudy start to the day but we managed to find a little pink in the clouds which was really pretty. 

Because today is David’s birthday I  thought it was the perfect day to mention how much Hollie loved her Dad 🥹 They had a special relationship…she would play the piano for him, sing for him, do cartwheels and somersaults and he thought the world of her 🌏 Her called her pumpkin (never Hollie). And he could make her laugh…a lot!! She would ask for a chicken wrap and he would do a rap about chicken 😂 He’d pretend to make boogie sandwiches and make up funny songs about everything! They had a special playlist for when they were in the car together (which included Big John) and she loved nothing more than a big Dad hug. I love thinking of them together in heaven celebrating his birthday 🥳🥹❤️

Day 11 of 31 Sunrises

Saturday 12th Jul
This morning was beautiful but very fresh! The temp said feels like 0.1 deg…I felt that!! There was a full moon last night and this morning it hung over the ocean at sunrise - absolutely stunning! 

Following on from yesterday’s memory when Hollie sang with Hugh Jackman and Keala Settle - brings me to Hollie’s favourite movie, The Greatest Showman! The first time she saw it was at Gold Class with my whole family and she danced and did cartwheels in front of the screen at the end! Then her, and her friend Chloe watched it probably another 6 times at least; and then she watched it at home with me a few times as well! She adored the music so much…we’d play it over and over so loud in the car and sing along, it was the best 🎶🎶

Day 10 of 31 Sunrises

Friday 11th Jul
This morning I went further from home as I was dropping Nic (and his partner Paige) to the airport. So I decided to go to the river in Attadale…it was a beautiful still morning and the city across the water with the glow of the sun coming up behind it was gorgeous. Photos never actually do it justice! 

Hollie joined the Australian Girls Choir when she was 12 and stayed until she was 18 at the end of Year 12. It was her safe space and she has so many special  friends from her time there ❤️ She won multiple awards for her singing and performed in some amazing gigs…but her favourites would have been singing twice with Hugh Jackman on his tours whilst in Perth…in his Broadway to Oz show and his The Man, The Music, The Show tour (which he also did with Keala Settle who Hollie got to meet and loved!) What a privilege 🙌🏼💫🎤🎶

Day 9 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 10th Jul
Today started off with a very chilly walk! It was 2.1 degrees but felt like 0.2 according to the bureau of meteorology! Definitely felt like that to us and the dogs!! 

I didn’t post a memory on my picture this morning but being less than a week to Hollie’s anniversary now, I’ve been thinking of her a lot and feeling a bit more sad as it gets closer. I have to say Hollie’s Light has been amazing and has taken a little of the sting out of it this year. The amount of people that have been thinking of her and sending their pictures in has been so touching. We have had photos from the UK, Canada and even South Africa! Just beautiful 💫

Day 8 of 31 Sunrises

Wednesday 9th Jul
Another rainy morning but Noah and I  managed to find a little bit of a break between showers to have a short walk with the dogs and take some beautiful pictures.

When Hollie was younger, she was obsessed with acro. She would practice and practice out the front of our house in Shelley, filming herself on her Dad’s laptop and playing it back until she could see that she had it perfectly executed. She taught herself everything…somersaults in the air, cartwheeling without hands, round offs, backflips, every move there was! When David would get home from work, he’d pull up in the driveway and Hollie would show him  all her improvements for the day, he loved watching her! She was so light on her feet, full of energy and completely fearless 💫

Day 7 of 31 Sunrises

Monday 7th Jul
Today looked like it was going to be a beautiful day and then I got caught in a downpour and got absolutely drenched! I did manage to get some good pics before the rain came though! 

All my kids have great relationships but Hollie and Noah were like 2 peas in a pod 🫛 They were always the “little kids” of the family. She absolutely adored him and he, her. (Although later on when she was older he would dispute this, but secretly he loved her coming into his room, flopping on his bed and talking non stop for 20 minutes about her day!) 
I remember after her first major oesophagus surgery for achalasia - in the middle of the night when she was feeling sore and still groggy from the anaesthetic - all she wanted was Noah. She had her Dad with her but she still wanted Noah 🥹 She begged us to let him have a day off school and bring him in to see her ❤️‍🩹🥹 (we gave in of course!)

WEEK 1 UPDATE: 
It has been a week now of beautiful sunrises (and some cloudy ones) but I can honestly say I have loved getting out for a walk each day, and taking the time to think about my gorgeous girl and the memories we shared. And I know other people have done the same as we’ve had so many messages of support. The sunrise (and sunset) pics that have been posted have been amazing and the fact that so many people have come together to do this for Hollie and to raise awareness for mental health has really meant a lot to our family 🫶🏻

We’ve also had so many donations! As of this morning we are at $4752 💫 Thank you, thank you, if you’ve donated 🙏🏼 Just incredible considering we still have 3 weeks to go! Please keep sharing the link and posting your sunrise pics, together we are making a difference 💛🧡❤️
 

Day 6 of 31 Sunrises

Monday 7th Jul
It was pretty hard to get out of bed this morning after a very late Saturday night but I persevered (I’m no quitter!) and I left everyone asleep and crept out the front door. What I was greeted with was possibly the most spectacular sunrise I  have ever seen! 

As far as little kids go, you wouldn’t find much happier than Hollie! No joke, you could be growling at her about something one minute and the next she’s dancing around the room, “happy as Larry”! Whenever we’d take her to a playground, without fail she would make new friends within minutes and half an hour later she would be begging for them to have a sleepover 😂 She was a happy little chatterbox with everyone she came across! She was definitely one out of the box 
💫💛🧡❤️

Day 5 of 31 Sunrises

Sunday 6th Jul
It was a cloudy start to the day so no “sun”rise but a nice morning walk anyway! 

Anyone who knew Hollie also knew that she LOVED butterflies - in any way, shape, or form!  She had butterfly hair clips, tattoos, stickers (EVERYWHERE), tracksuits, tops, socks, headbands, jewellery, pyjamas…if it had a butterfly on it, there was a pretty good chance Hollie owned it!! 

The symbolism of butterflies is transformation and hope, and I think that’s a beautiful meaning from something she found so much joy in 🦋

Day 4 of 31 Sunrises

Saturday 5th Jul
It was a gorgeous morning, albeit a little chilly! 4 of us plus 2 dogs set out this morning for our walk. 

When you lose someone, it’s often the little things you miss, even the annoying ones! Hollie loved 2 minute noodles…I swear she had a packet at least every single day, if not twice! Because she often cooked 2 packets at once, they would overflow in the microwave and then when she was finished, she’d rinse her bowl out and leave noodles in the sink 🙃 
I’m not talking once or twice, I’m saying every. single. day! While I was annoyed at the time, I’d give anything now to be scraping noodles out of the sink or wiping out the microwave 💛

Day 3 of 31 Sunrises

Thursday 3rd Jul
It was a rainy and cloudy start to the day and I briefly contemplated staying in bed and doing a sunset walk instead…a minute later I was dressed and ready to go. As soon as I stepped out of the front door, the rain stopped! 

There’s lots of little things I miss about Hollie. One of those is when she would come in the front door, every single time…”puppppppyyyyy…where’s my pupppyyyyy” and Tilly would come bounding up to her, tail wagging, so excited to see each other. They had a little bond from the beginning and adored each other. I often wonder if Tilly misses her like I do ❤️‍🩹

Day 2 of 31 Sunrises

Wednesday 2nd Jul
It was a beautiful sunrise this morning and not a breath of wind while on my walk with the dogs! 

I keep thinking of Hollie’s laugh and how loud (I mean really loud!!) and infectious it was! There were lots of things that made her laugh but a few of them were: any Friends episode but particularly “Pivot” (for any Friends fans); dressing our dog Tilly up; her Dad’s jokes (he was pretty funny 😂); and Key and Peele - I’m going to say the Substitute Teacher episode (https://youtu.be/zRpsRKuyi3Y?si=gOezJuelJZGcXCC-) Have a watch! 

And if you haven’t donated yet, anything you can give is so greatly appreciated 💫

Day 1 of 31 Sunrises

Tuesday 1st Jul
It was a bit rainy and cloudy here in Perth this morning but there was a little slice of sunshine peeking through the clouds for our girl just as I went for my first walk!  

My memory I wanted to share of her today is her musical ability and how she was born to play the piano! From the moment she arrived into the world people would comment on her beautiful long fingers - like they were made for the keys! She only had a handful of lessons one term but she never really needed them. Hollie could hear a song once, and with determination (and a few hours of nutting it out) she would have it mastered - every note! Her musical gift was incredible and never stopped amazing me 💛

I also want to thank everyone who has donated already, to say I am overwhelmed is an understatement! I never imagined that we’d be at almost $3k on the first day of July with the entire month to go! I am so deeply grateful and humbled by everyone’s generosity 💛🧡❤️

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Jordan & Rebekah

$106.12

Samantha Fry

On behalf of my Dillon , and sending love for hollie ❤️❤️

$100

Claude And Michelle Collica

For our beautiful girl 💛💫

$54.12

Kate Dornan

Love to you and the whole family Michelle 🤗

$52.92

Jessie And James

Such a beautiful way to remember Hollie. Sending love to you all 💕

$50

Lily Collica

$50

Maya Collica

$161.42

Jacquie Davidson

Hi Michelle, I know I only knew Hollie for a short time in primary school, but she was always so bright & bubbly & gorgeous. Nobody should ever have to lose their child & I think of her & you all the time. Your writing over this last month has been beautiful too. Sending love.

$64.67

Dylan Carr

🦋In Memory Of My Beautiful Cousin Hollie🦋 Not a day goes by where you don’t cross my mind, you are truely missed. Hollie had such a special place in my heart and I will forever cherish the amazing memories we shared together ❤️ Aunty Chell, this is such an important cause that should be heard from all parts of the world 🌍 You should be so proud of what you’ve done, it’s inspiring !!! Hollies light will forever shine on in all of our lives 🌅✝️💕

$100

Ash, Karl And Max

Love you 💕💕

$216.28

Mick& Dor Child

Dear Michelle, just a small donation in regards to your amazing fund raising effort for youth mental health - an outstanding achievement but words cannot express our admiration for your endeavors

$27.81

Sinead Odea

$54.12

Em Jones

💗💗💗

$515

Margaret And David Little

We have been following your journey Michelle. So proud of you all.

$50

Jordan Passauer

$27.81

Stacey

$106.12

Hallie Paul

For Hol 🦋🤍

$50

Ranesh Palan

$54.12

Marisa Talbot Smith

What a beautiful thing you have done , in memory of you beautiful Angel Hollie .And for Mental Heath 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

$211

Imogen Taylor

The most beautiful girl inside and out 🤍🦋

$27.81

Tessa Blinco

$54.12

Anonymous

Our beautiful Hols always shining bright 🦋 ✨🤍 We love and miss you lots 🩷🩷

$54.12

Anonymous

$106.12

Elaine And Hugh Nicol

To assist and support in young adult mental health is vital and commendable in honour of Holly. What a blessing Tori and Mitch are to this cause. Love them dearly Elaine & Hugh

$50

Lauren Chaplin

I am loving watching the daily stories from you and Tori about Hollie’s personality, interests and how she viewed the world xx

$50

The Duartes X

$54.12

Gian Collica

$100

Max, Mandy, Jack And Harper X

We love and miss you Hollie X

$106.12

Natalie Beevis

For our beautiful Hollie Wollie, she would be in awe of how she’s been honoured. Love you SO much 💛

$106.12

Brodie Lee

Such beautiful awareness for such a tragic loss 🤍 will always be so touched by your strength and admire your drive for your beautiful daughter!

$52.92

Linda Newell

$211

Ellie Dunne Collective

Amazing cause 🧡

$106.12

Bradley And Bryanna

$106.12

Nic & Paige

$103.72

Hannah

Sending you hugs and lots of love 🫶🏼

$25

Tamzen

Dear Michelle, I have loved watching all of the beautiful stories posted for Hollie’s Light and remembering all of the amazing qualities she had. Hollie was a great friend to me during early high school years and was such a beautiful soul. This fundraiser, raising money for Youth Mental Health, is absolutely amazing and will provide help to so many young people that are sadly facing Mental Health Issues. Hollie’s memory will forever live on, and I just wanted to say what you are doing is so incredible 🤍

$54.12

J Capel

What a beautiful way to Honour, celebrate & remember your beautiful Girl, Hollie 🦋🩷 She will be watching from above & see how much she is loved & missed. 💝💟☪️

$54.12

Gabrielle Anderson

Well done Michelle, it's lovely to hear all the beautiful stories of Hollie. Lots of love x

$25

Bella Trolio

$106.12

Peter And Sharon Cavanagh

$54.12

Noah Brown

$1.02k

Karen Bailey

Great work with the fundraising Michelle! Goodluck for the rest of the month. A great cause. Kazza xxx

$54.12

Julie Mcferran

$106.12

Bon & Rob Sheehan

In loving memory of beautiful Hollie — supporting a meaningful cause in her name. Thinking of you all. Xx

$54.12

Scott Wilcox

$200

Dawn And Paul

Wow what a beautiful way to show the light Hollie was. She would be so stoked with what you have done. Hollie loved others and had a huge heart to help wherever she could. So this aligns with exactly the heart 💝 of gorgeous Hollie. What an amazing achievement rising up through the grief 🦋❤️‍🩹

$106.12

Scott Warner-gillon

$54.12

Cameron Bowe

$106.12

Armando De Abreu

Always thinking of you all.

$50

Pippa Clarke

$106.12

Sophie Holley

Thank you for shining a light onto this worthy charity 🙏 Hollie still making others smile ❤️

$54.12

Zoe

$54.12

Alisa

We loved our gorgeous niece and cousin Hollie. She was such a talented, entertaining, beautiful girl inside and out. Such a devastating loss. We do miss her xx

$54.12

Roberto Collica

$211

Molly Baker And Family

Love and light in Hollie’s memory. A wonderful friend to Molly when Molly really needed love and support x never forgotten 💔

$22.58

Meg Millington

Donating for a great cause and to support my beaut friend Tori 🤍

$200

Mitch, Tor & Mila

Love you and miss you Hol 🩷

$106.12

Sappy

Great work Michelle. What a great way to remember Hollie and raise awareness for a very important cause.

$54.12

Shannon Henry

Hollie you are always in my mind and in my heart.

$315

The Price Family

$54.12

Monica Cormack

In memory of beautiful Hollie. In our last conversation with her, Kelvin and I were struck by how luminous Hollie was. It was wonderful to see her so happy and at ease. Hollie is dearly missed by her friends and family, and will forever be in our hearts ❤️.

$25

Rosa Illingworth

Love and missed my Hollie.

$325

Ben & Nikki Gibson

In memory of our beautiful niece, Hollie 🦋 Though your time with us was far too short, your kindness to others, infectious laugh and rockstar smile will live on forever in our hearts 🩷 xxx

$211

Sharon Stenhouse

$40

Olivia Peters

$100

Anonymous

$33.15

Angela Studmsn

Such an important cause Michelle. Hollie was one in a million and she was the luckiest girl in the world to have you as a mumma 🩷🩷🩷

$54.12

Claude And Tiana

Sending all our love xx

$211

Tia Chamberlain

To the beautiful Hollie, this is all for you, with all my love, forever. 🦋 still bringing the light to the world, truly changed my life sweet girl.

$263.75

Ashleigh May

$315

Roger & Jenny Beevis

$100

The Vinis

For gifted, glowing and beautiful Hollie. Your light will never go out. We love you x

$106.12

Goss Family

Sending you all our love ❤️✨

$50

Jodie Hawthorne

I’ll never forget the time I got to see Hollie sing on stage with … Hugh Jackman!! That concert was amazing & what a huge achievement for you Hollie xx Keep shinning gorgeous xx

$103.72

Ella Mcferran

Really feeling Hollie’s beautiful presence in every sunrise🩷 what a lovely way to remember her 🦋

$54.12

Georgie.

Missing your girl. This is an amazing thing you are doing Michelle. Hollie would be so proud of her mumma. Sending love always x G

$54.12

Nadia Rath

Always thinking of you all & sending so much love. Beautiful Hollie will always be remembered 🦋 All of our love Jamie, Nadia & Ruby xxx

$54.12

Kathryn And Jarrod

$50

Francoise Gelbard-martin

Hugs and prayers to you all and great to support this wonderful and so needed cause 🙏❤️

$33.15

Marian Hartnett

Thinking of you all. X

$100

David Bryant

$106.12

Emma & Zac

All our love and support ❤️

$100

Matt + Louise

$54.12

Mel Russell

$54.12

Brooke & Marcus

Sending love 💛

$54.12

Holly Wellington

$54.12

Ellie Beevis

What a thoughtful thing to be doing💖 sending lots of love.

$54.12

Grace Matthews & Sam Kendall

$54.12

Eliana Verrecchia

$106.12

Kelvin Smith

$263.75

High Street Advisory

Happy to support this very worthy cause in Hollie's memory

$54.12

April Mcelroy

Such a beautiful young woman. I am sure she is shining bright in Heaven x

$40

Alysha Ely

This is so beautiful! Her memory lives on in the hearts of so many! Much love always 🩷

$100

Tarn & Sam

What a beautiful idea guys! Love this. Hollie’s light will never be forgotten. Praying that some beautiful memories to be brought back to your minds as you spend time doing this each day xx

$25

Saskia Glass

$200

Emma Anderson

What a beautiful way to honour gorgeous Hollie and keep her light shining bright. This is perfect to capture her warm, kind heart and her legacy will continue to help others just as she did. Much love to you all xx

$158.25

Zilla Turner And Family

Michelle This is a wonderful initiative and way to honour your darling Hollie. I will be walking everyday (with mum’s dog Beau) at sunrise and sending love from sydney 💕❤️

$263.75

Angela Harris

A beautiful way to honour Hollie's memory

$100

Ally

Always sending my love Mich - will never forget how special and beautiful Hollie was ❤️ xx

$106.12

Tina Hogarth-clarke

$54.12

Tracy Wollaston

What a beautiful way to remember Hollie and support others. Sending our love and care.

$106.12

Brett & Kelda Turnbull

In honour of your beautiful Hollie and the light she continues to shine. Thank you for what you’re doing to support youth mental health, this matters so much . xx

$54.12

Bec Kinsella

$50

Nicole Gifford

Will never forget Hollie’s infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Sending lots of love to all ❤️

$211

Kathleen And Steve Bingham

Hollies Beautiful light will forever shine and her compassion and care for others will Be her legacy xx We will never ever forget those laughs and warm hugs x much love Michelle and family

$27.81

Jodi Godby

With you in spirit! Keep on celebrating her beautiful light! Much love xo

$54.12

Richard Beevis

An incredible cause for such an important issue. If this helps just one young person then it’s worth every penny raised. Sending love ❤️ as always, good luck with the fund raising xxxx

$106.12

Bree Cooke

$54.12

Brad Behsman And Family

May the memories of your beautiful daughter bring you comfort Michelle, she sounds like she was an amazing gift to you and your family. We have to treasure every moment.

$106.12

Marc Valentine

$10

Anonymous

$315

Michelle And Claude Collica

$106.12

Michelle Collica