Fundraiser to bring home a mother from Cork who died in Australia one month after giving birth

A fundraiser has been launched for a mother from Cork who tragically died in Australia just one month after giving birth to her daughter.

Aileen Wilkinson, 32, lost her life in a “tragic event” that occurred on Wednesday, August 21, just a month after giving birth to her baby daughter Rosa.

The Cork native had worked for a time as a nurse at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

Mrs Wilkinson leaves behind her partner Marco and her daughter.

Those who knew Ms Wilkinson have set up a GoFundMe page with the aim of bringing her back to Ireland and “preparing things for Rosa's future”.

“As you may know, we have suddenly lost the beautiful Aileen following an unexpected tragic event. Aileen leaves behind her wonderful partner Marco and her beautiful little girl Rosa, who she gave birth to on July 23, 2024.

“At this difficult time we are setting up this Go Fund to cover all the associated costs that will be immediately incurred in bringing Aileen back to Ireland and preparing things for Rosa's future. Any contribution is greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small, it would mean a great deal to Marco and Rosa.

“For those who are unable to donate financially, words of comfort and shared memories of Aileen would be greatly appreciated so that we can tell Rosa how present Aileen was in all of our lives. Thank you,” said page organizer Kieran Joyce.

In the comments section of the fundraiser, those who knew Ms Wilkinson shared their memories of her and expressed their respects to her grieving family and friends.

One person said: “I worked with Aileen in GA Neuro at the CUH. Such a kind-hearted, gentle person who loved life. A truly beautiful soul. I would like to send my deepest condolences to her family, her partner Marco, her beautiful little daughter Rosa and her wide circle of friends at home and abroad. Rest in peace Aileen.”

Another added: “Aileen was a true light in the world. Every room she walked into was instantly better. She was a real goofball sometimes and that made her even more lovable. I'm glad I got to call her my friend and grateful she dressed me up as a woman once. I hope Rosa inherits everything that made Aileen so great! RIP.”

One person wrote: “I am so sad to hear of Aileen's sad passing. I worked with her on GAneuro in CUH. I always think of her as the wonderful Aileen because that is what she was in every way. My deepest condolences to her partner, family and friends on their terrible loss.”

The goal of the fundraiser was AUD 80,000, and at the time of writing this article, over €90,000 had already been raised.

The page organiser shared an update, saying: “Every single one of you who has generously donated has no idea how much this means to our family. We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received from everyone here in Melbourne and around the world. Thank you so much.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.