Originally from Young, she had settled in Lismore and was about to finish studying childcare. 

But in a tragic turn of events - and in circumstances yet to be fully investigated - she passed away on October 22 in Lismore Hospital from complications, one week after the birth of her third child. 

Her mother Cathy Perrin was there.

The registered nurse and midwife now has to grapple with the fact her daughter is gone far too soon and her children will grow up without a mother.

“I haven’t been able to sleep or do anything, I keep reliving all the things that happened and the things that should have happened and the things that didn’t... I wake up five in the morning thinking about it,” she said.

With the support of her other daughters, Melissa and Angela Perrin, Cathy has brought the three children down from Lismore to Young.

Heartbroken as she is, she’s been overwhelmed by the support from this community.

“People just come up to you in the street and hug you and say ‘I’ve got no words’,” she said.

“It is just amazing that the whole community has gotten behind us... we’ve got baby clothes, nappies, everything that baby could want.

“Everyone has been so thoughtful. I’m just overwhelmed with not only grief, but the generosity and the caring nature of this community, it’s truly amazing.”

She is determined that the children - John Kelly (7), James Kelly (4) and Brittany Perrin (one month) - will remain in Young with her in a stable environment and with all the benefits of a close knit community. 

“I just want these kids to be raised in a family environment and I want them to know their mother,” Cathy said.

“Michaela was just one of the most likeable people you could come across, she was never judgmental, she just treasured everybody and she was an amazing mother.

“The kids were her priority.”

Cathy is constantly amazed at the resilience and strength of the children, but she knows they will be facing an uphill battle without their mum by their sides.

“I can’t get my head around this, I don’t see how these kids are,” she said.

“John said to me the other day, ‘I love being here nanny but I miss mum.’”

Cathy’s friends and colleagues have been at the frontline of fundraising efforts for the family.

They have started a 500 club and are selling 500 tickets at $50 each to assist Cathy and her family in the ongoing support of the children. 

Friend and organiser Wendy Dewar said they’d had an amazing response from individuals and businesses alike so far and she encouraged everyone to continue to rally around the family. 

“Cathy’s a caring, giving person to others. She supports anything that’s happening to other people,” Wendy said.

“She’s going to be doing it tough to bring up three kids at her age, it’s going to be difficult.”

Anyone wanting to purchase tickets can contact the nursing staff at Young District Hospital on 6382 8801.

A trust fund has also been set up for the family.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can donate to the Michaela Perrin Family Fund, South West Slopes Credit Union. BSB: 802 367 Account number: 34903.