A Wagga teenager is learning the importance of a supportive friendship group after suffering a devastating loss.
Most teenagers are fantasising about their latest crush or planning their next shopping ventures but Brittany Ellick’s friends have far more pressing matters on their minds.
Brittany’s mother died six weeks ago, leaving the 16-year-old with no living family members.
She is currently staying with friends while attending year 11 at Kooringal High School and trying to keep her life as normal as possible in the wake of tragedy.
But Brittany’s friends are one step ahead of her.
They are organising a charity movie night to raise money to help her pay for living and school expenses.
Brittany was supposed to scatter the ashes of her grandmother, who died nine months ago, in Sydney Harbour with her mother.
Brittany will travel to Sydney in September to scatter both of their ashes on what would have been her mother’s birthday.
Rachel Robertson’s 16-year-old daughter, Chloe, has teamed up with another friend, Hannah Marshman, 17, to organise the event.
Mrs Robertson, Chloe and Hannah all work at Forum 6 Cinema so Mrs Robertson said a movie night was a natural choice for a fundraiser.
“Chloe just wanted to help out in any way that she could and get all their friends together to have a laugh,” she said.
“Even at my age, I can’t imagine losing my mum and having no one else to fall back on.
“I’m amazed by Brittany’s strength.
“I want everyone to get involved and show her there is support out there.”
Mrs Robertson said the money will be used to assist Brittany in the future and pay for her mother’s funeral.
Chloe and Hannah have spent hours designing tickets and posters and selling tickets for the August 6 event.
“To be 16 and have such good friends is lovely to see,” Mrs Robertson said.
“She might not have her mother, which is really sad, but she does have some really good friends.”
Brittany said her friends are “beautiful” and that the money will also help her pay for a home of her own.
The friends will host a premiere screening of the highly-anticipated Trainwreck with Amy Schumer and Bill Hader on August 6.
There will be pizza and soft drink from 6pm before the movie starts at 7pm at Forum 6.
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling Rachel Robertson on 0434 633 239.
