A Maitland woman has chosen a compassionate way to pay tribute to the brother she lost seven years ago.
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Renae Saxby is on the ground in earthquake-ravaged Nepal.
The passionate photographer has worked tirelessly since the April earthquake to help fund the rebuild of Kathmandu and get assistance out to the rural communities.
She is pushed on by the memory of her brother, Daniel Saxby, who died in a car crash in 2008.
“There is so much to be done here,” she said.
“I came with the intention of helping, but to do it in honour of Daniel is even more special.
“Their gorgeous spirits, massive smiles and big open hearts remind me of him so much and I wanted to turn tears into smiles this year, including my own, and put my energy into helping those in need on his behalf.”
To coincide with the anniversary of Daniel’s death and what would be his 29th birthday, Ms Saxby has launched the Footprints in Nepal project.
Using the gofundme website, Ms Saxby is posting regular images to show the devastation the Nepalese people face everyday, but also to show the hope and the help a few dollars can make.
“The images of Kathmandu broadcast all over the world are a tiny example of the devastation here,” she wrote.
“Out of the city things are much much worse.
“Families are sleeping under plastic sheeting to keep dry in the monsoon and with the heavy rainfall and cracks in the earth from the earthquake, landslides are already taking place jeopardising the arrival of food supplies for the season.”
Ms Saxby was first drawn to Nepal because of work.
Her business, Renny Sax Photography, was contracted to do photography, videography and makeup for Emmy Award-winning musician Toni Childs during an April trip to Nepal.
“We trekked the Annapurna circuit with a team of around 50 and played a series of free concerts to the people of Nepal,” she said.
“We flew out to Bali for the next gig of the tour just 36 hours before the earthquake struck.
“I got the news during sound check for the gig and my heart dropped.
“We still had crew there, our guides and sherpas lived near the epicentre and the people of Nepal with their kindness and beautiful spirit had touched all of us deeply.
“We all wanted to help.”
From here, the Rebuild Nepal campaign was started and, thanks to fundraising and benefit concerts led by Toni Childs, the project has raised more than $55,000.
“A little bit can go a very long way in a country like this,” she said.
“Just donating the $4 from your morning coffee one day can provide shelter, warmth or food here.”
Help the people of Nepal by donating money at www.gofundme.com/rennysaxnepal or www.rebuildnepal.com.au.