Recipient praises ‘amazing people’ at Legacy
Three years ago, after her husband David’s death by suicide, Major Angela Uphill found support in Legacy.
CAPTION: Major Angela Uphill and her two children lay a wreath during the 2024 Legacy Week launch at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Story by Corporal Luke Bellman. Photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.
They reached out, offering stability during her family’s toughest times, providing access to recreational activities and camps, giving her children a sense of connection with others who have faced similar experiences.
“It makes the kids feel a little bit special,” Major Uphill said.
“They’re aware of the reason we get the support and that it’s because of our loss, and that makes them feel like someone is looking out for them.”
On September 2, she attended the Legacy Week launch service at the Australian War Memorial where she and her children laid a wreath.
“It was an honour to do it and an important way to keep remembering my husband, their father, and pay respects to him and to Legacy,” Major Uphill said.
Legacy’s nationwide presence ensured she continued to receive support regardless of postings.
They had legatee volunteers provide personalised support and helped her navigate how to access resources.
“They’re amazing people who just volunteer their time to be a legatee,” she said.
“Our first legatee came to our house and sat down and filled out all the application forms with me.
“All of the people that I have met that are volunteers for Legacy are really good people with a community-service mentality.”
For the past 101 years Legacy has provided stability, guidance and assistance to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one.
Nationally, Legacy supports 34,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving Australia.
Major Uphill believes that while no one chooses to need Legacy, it provides essential support during hardship.
“Legacy isn’t a club that you want to be eligible for; however, I am so grateful that if we had to go through this loss, that we have had Legacy to support us,” she said.
“I think it’s really important that people get behind Legacy and donate or contribute in any way that they can.”
Those needing support are encouraged to reach out to:
- Lifeline – 24/7 on 13 11 14. Their nightly text line can also be reached at 0477 13 11 14
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 24/7 on 1800 011 046
- Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) – 24/7 on 1800 628 036
- Defence Member and Family Support – 24/7 on 1800 624 608
Additional resources and contacts available here.
If life is in danger, please call 000.
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