Latest news with #TraceyBerends
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Shock twist in Pheobe Bishop fundraiser as her mother comes out swinging against organiser: 'This hasn't been approved'
Pheobe Bishop's grieving mother has lashed out at a fundraiser claiming to raise money for the family, saying she has not approved it. Kylie Johnson took aim at the GoFundMe created in her daughter's name after authorities found human remains in the search for the missing teenager at Good Night National Scrub Park on Friday afternoon. 'This hasn't been approved or supported by the family,' Ms Johnson wrote on Facebook. The fundraiser set a target of $10,000, however only managed to draw in $24 worth of donations by the time it was called out by Ms Johnson. It has since been deleted, however another campaign has appeared in its place and received $50 in donations. The organiser admitted they were organising the GoFundMe 'independently' of Pheobe's loved ones. 'Contributions will assist in covering the time, resources, and necessary costs involved in facilitating public memorial efforts, raising awareness and coordinating community-driven support initiatives surrounding this event,' it stated. 'Professional time and administrative expenses related to the responsible management of this campaign and its associated activities will also be covered from these funds.' The genuine fundraiser is being handled by Tracey Berends and has raised more than $5,000. 'After speaking with Pheobe's family, we have decided to honour her memory in a way that reflects the compassion and light she brought into the lives of so many,' Ms bends wrote. 'This GoFundMe has been created as a way for our community to donate and support the services like the SES who volunteer their time without reimbursement and have played an integral part of finding missing loved one's in our community. 'We would also like to be able to donate to the Y School in Bundaberg on Pheobe's behalf where Pheobe thrived from their support and guidance.' Ms Bend went on to describe Pheobe as 'a gentle soul and a generous spirit'. 'We want her legacy to live on and by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community,' she said. 'All funds raised will be donated to these carefully chosen community groups that work to support our Wide Bay community.' 'This is more than a fundraiser - this is a tribute to a beautiful life, and a call to action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.' Pheobe, 17, was declared missing on May 15 after she failed to check-in for a flight from Bundaberg Airport to Western Australia to visit her boyfriend. On Friday, officers found what were believed to be the teenager's remains near Good Night National Scrub Park. The find was made in 'unforgiving' terrain southwest of Bundaberg. Investigators are also trying to recover the teenager's missing luggage but are expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening. Pheobe had been living in Gin Gin with couple James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, who have since been charged with Pheobe's murder and interfering with her corpse. The community held a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park in Gin Gin between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday with about 500 mourners wearing bright colours and butterflies in memory of Pheobe. A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm. During the moving vigil, Pheobe's sister Kaylea, 18, gave a tearful tribute in honour of her sister. 'Obviously, I didn't write a speech, but, um... Pheobe! 17 years was never enough for your life,' she said. 'But in the short 17 years that she was with us, god, she gave us a run for our bloody money... She was cutthroat person, but she saw the good in everyone. 'If she had a opinion about you, you were sure to find out about it, whether you liked it or not. That's just the way Pheobe was, but she was loyal to the core. 'She loved, respected, and valued her life.' Kaylea thanked all those who attended the candlelight vigil before being left unable to continue as she burst into tears. Indy, a relative of Pheobe's boyfriend, was present at the vigil and shared some words on his behalf. 'In the quiet space where your laughter once lived, your absence echoes louder than words can say,' Indy told the crowd. 'Seventeen years, a brief dance of light, yet in that time you touched hearts in many ways that will never fade. 'You were a spark - bright, bold, and unafraid, as her family have shared with us, today. A soul who embraced life with open arms. 'Now in the stillness, we hold on to the warmth of your spirit, the kindness in your eyes, the joy and your smile. 'Your journey was cut short, but your impact is yours, with every whispered memory, with every tear shed, and every heart that carries you forward, you live on. 'Rest now, dear Phoebe. In the peace you deserve, I know that you are loved forever and always.' Ms Johnson urged the Gin Gin community to 'respect' Bromley's family following the charges against her.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Pheobe Bishop's 'gentle soul' is honoured as her grieving mum shares a symbolic gesture and the community prepares to hold a candlelight vigil
A community grieving the devastating loss of Pheobe Bishop have organised a fundraiser in her memory as her heartbroken mum makes a symbolic gesture. Queensland Police discovered the missing 17-year-old's remains in sprawling Good Night Scrub National Park at 2.30pm on Friday, ending the three-week search. Following the heartbreaking news, family friend Tracey Berends started a GoFundMe on Saturday in loving memory of Pheobe. 'After speaking with Pheobe's family, we have decided to honour her memory in a way that reflects the compassion and light she brought into the lives of so many,' Ms Berends wrote. 'Pheobe had a gentle soul and a generous spirit - always caring for others and standing up for what was right. 'We want her legacy to live on and by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community.' The donations will go towards supporting volunteer services like the SES and providing funds for the teenager's school in Bundaberg. Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson changed her profile picture to a vigil candle with her daughter's name written on its base, surrounded by flowers and butterfly wings. She shared the fundraiser to her Facebook account on Saturday. 'This is supported by the family. Everyone is wanting to assist and this is how we can give back in honour of Phee,' she wrote. Ms Johnson previously described the discovery of her daughters remains as 'ripping her apart', has shared the fundraiser on Facebook. The GoFundMe, which was only started three hours ago at the time of publishing, has raised $1,745 of the $17,000 goal. It comes as a makeshift memorial has appeared at the ramshackle, rubbish-strewn Gin Gin home Pheobe shared with Bromley and Wood. The house has been surrounded by bouquets of flowers with a large pink teddy bear standing guard over the property. A poignant message left by one mourner read: 'Pheobe, you grew your wings too early beautiful girl. Now, you will no longer feel pain or heartache. 'You can spread your wings, and know you will be loved.' The teen's family and Gin Gin locals are preparing to honour her memory at a community ceremony tomorrow night. A candlelight vigil will be held at Kolan Community Park from 4pm. Ms Johnson has said the vigil is a way for the family to acknowledge Pheobe's impact on the community. 'Like most rural families we are resilient, proud and strong but this has brought us to our knees like no drought ever could,' she said. 'While we don't have Phee home to put to rest just yet, our community needs the healing process to start.' Pheobe went missing after she failed to board a flight at Bundaberg Airport to Brisbane and then onto Western Australia to see her boyfriend on May 15. Her luggage hasn't been found, and police say neither her phone or bank accounts have been accessed. James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were both charged with murder and interfering with a corpse in relation to Pheobe's disappearance. The 17-year-old had been living with the pair at a house in Gin Gin before she vanished on May 15. They were the last people to see her alive after dropping her off at Bundaberg Airport.
