A mother and her unborn baby both tragically died within a month of each other after contracting the flu.
Lauren Maree Clanchy, 35, died from complications related to influenza A and pneumonia, after spending five weeks in hospital.
In that time she lost her unborn baby, Finn, at 32 weeks, and then three limbs.
The popular business owner of ELK Aesthetics is survived by her devastated partner Brad Davis and their toddler, Hudson.
Loved ones and well-wishers will gather at Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast Sunday to remember Ms Clanchy and to raise money for Hudson’s education in the wake of a horrific few months for the family.
Just days after being admitted to hospital Ms Clanchy and Mr Davis faced the harrowing reality that their baby Finn must die in order for Ms Clanchy to have a chance of survival, The Courier Mail reports.
In the weeks that followed, Ms Clanchy developed pneumonia and an infection which led to both of her legs and one of her arms being amputated.
The young mother and business owner died on July 17.
Mr Davis shared a heartbreaking tribute via a Facebook page for Ms Clanchy’s business, Elk Aesthetics, based in Stafford.
“It is with a broken heart and deep sadness that I post to inform you that our beautiful Laura Maree Clanchy grew her wings,” he wrote.
“The fight Laura and Finn endured was due to complications with influenza A and pneumonia which ultimately resulted in Baby Finn giving his life up at 32 weeks gestation so his amazing mumma could have the best possible chance of surviving.
“Although as odds continued to stack up and all that could have went wrong, did, Laura continued the fight with courage and pure strength that I am in total awe by.
“I would like to send my gratitude and appreciation to everyone near and far that made Laura’s life amazing, who have reached out, donated, shown love and support and been there for our entire family throughout this heartbreaking and painful time.
“To all of Laura’s beautiful and loyal clients/friends/family, thank you for making my baby’s dreams come true with ELK Aesthetics and I hope we all continue to make her happy, proud and loved as Laura and Finn fly high above us.”
The news sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends and clients who described Ms Clanchy as one of a kind.
“Laura was an exceptional person whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all her knew her,” one client said.
“I was honoured to have met her and know her. Her cheeky smile and our belly laughs whilst injecting me then telling me to sit still, she was a character, one of a kind. Her memory will forever be cherished.”
Another woman added: “Laura was the most genuinely kind, funny and beautiful person who has touched so many hearts My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your families.”
To support Mr Davis and Hudson, close friends Georgina La Spina and Sue Lance launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Ms Lance, from the Gold Coast, had worked for a number of years with Ms Clanchy at Esteem Clinic in Main Beach. She said Mrs Clanchy was a facilitator at Esteem Academy and would run courses teaching doctors and nurses to correctly administer injectables.
“In honour of Laura’s memory and to help secure a brighter future for her son Hudson, we are raising funds for Hudson’s scholarship,” Ms Lance said.
“We believe that collective efforts can make a significant impact. We invite you to join us in making a difference.”
Ms Lance said everyone who worked with Ms Clanchy was devastated.
“She was such a vibrant outgoing person,” she said.
“Everyone loved her.
“She was beautiful inside and out.”
The fundraising campaign for the little boy will be spearheaded by a walk for Hudson on Sunday, August 27 where an army of supporters will meet at the Marina Mirage, Main Beach at 9am and walk into Surfers Paradise.
“We will be wearing green ribbons because it was her favourite colour,” Ms Lance said.
“I’m really hoping for a decent turnout. The more the merrier.
“And any donations made on the day or to the GoFundMe will be going towards Hudson’s education.
“It’s just so sad. Absolutely horrific what happened.”
A heartbroken Mr Davis declined to comment but said he would be attending the walk for Hudson on Sunday.