Campaign helps son

Boy loses mum, home

THE community is rallying behind a teenage boy whose mother died in a house fire last week.

Bellarine Secondary College schoolteacher Dawn Webster, pictured, died when the Ocean Grove home she shared with her 16-year-old son Xepheren was engulfed by flames last Tuesday.

Family members have established a crowd-funding page to help Xepheren, Ms Webster’s youngest child, complete school and rebuild his life.

His relative and founder of the page Jason Webster said the teenager needed community support.

“We are calling on some support to help a young man who has tragically lost his mother, his home and all his possessions in a fatal house fire on July 9 in Ocean Grove,” Mr Webster said.

“Xepheren is a 16-year-old lad with nothing left but the love and support of his immediate and extended family.”

Seventy-two contributors have donated more than $6000 to the GoFundMe page, which has a target amount of $25,000. “We believe it is imperative for his wellbeing and future that he is able to finish school and rebuild his life with your help,” Mr Webster said.

“Any donations would be greatly appreciated and accepted with the gracious kindness in which it is given.”

Ms Webster was a drama teacher at Bellarine Secondary College and is understood to have taught psychology.

Last week college principal Alison Murphy paid tribute to the teacher and offered condolences to her family.

“Dawn has been a staff member of Bellarine for many years and her family has a strong connection with the college,” Ms Murphy said.

To support Xepheren visit gofundme.com/5tgen80.