02/04/2026
Tascha Loadsman was another of our great supporters but sadly passed away before we completed the building. The words below are from Tascha that she had read out for her at our high tea a couple years ago and ring so true.
We were fortunate to have a real inspiration for Respite Care for QBN at our High Tea yesterday.
Her name is Tascha Loadsman and with her permission this is her story.
Around the time COVID began opening up my body started shutting down.
Prior to this I led an extremely active, frenetic lifestyle.
Married for 26 years to my wonderful husband, we’d dragged our five sons all over Australia to live due to our roles in the Australian Defence Force before settling in beautiful Queanbeyan.
The boys wanted to stay in one place (after more than 20 interstate moves) and my widowed mother was needing more and more assistance so was about to move in with us as well.
So we made a plan. In 2013 I would leave the Defence Force, we would buy a house and we would give the stability to the boys and I would be able to care for my Mum.
Life went on.
I ran around after 5 sons. Helped my Mum with medical appointments, her pension and super.
I owned and ran Mainstreet Shoes in Monaro Street Queanbeyan.
I played netball, went to the gym and loved trail running.
Then my leg seemed to lose some range of movement. My mind was giving it the message but it refused to comply.
I went to my GP. I thought maybe I had pinched a nerve or something and might need Physio or surgery, some recover time and then on my way.
After months of tests in December 2019, just before Christmas we were told it was MND. Motor Neurone Disease. Also known as ALS, you might know that better from the ice bucket challenge a few years ago.
MND is terminal. There is no cure. There is no fight.
Unlike cancer I don’t have a chance. There is nothing to do but manage the symptoms and the pain.
The best description I can give you is it is like your body, part by part being locked into an iron suit. You are putting all the effort into moving that leg or arm, but no matter how much you grunt and push you cannot move it.
Our world has been upended. We were (and still are) mid renovation on our house.
My husband has his own small business and became the sole breadwinner - meaning his hours are longer and harder.
As my body shut down more and more I needed more and more help.
So my husband, kids and 78 year old mother started taking on all cooking, cleaning and taking care of me.
We had boys in year 10, year 12 and two in apprenticeships.
I cannot move anything now but my had and right arm. My voice is closing up.
I am totally dependent on others for everything. Bringing me food, water, showering, dressing, toileting - my husband is now my hairstylist and I have never worn my hair like this. I don’t like it, but I have to accept and appreciate that they are doing it for me.
Now after just over a year my husband, mum and family are worn down. It is exhausting for them. My mum is breaking down in tears and getting sick from her lowered immunity due to exhaustion. My husband is getting short and snippy.
My kids need time and attention.
Everyone needs a break from the constant care and attention I need.
Just one day.
Just one week.
Enter the search for respite care.
There is very little respite care in our region. My options are limited.
I can go into an aged care home. I am 46. Or I can go to a palliative care centre.
Both are in Canberra.
Both are overwhelmed and overbooked.
There is a wait time of at least a month.
On Monday I am going into respite care for two weeks.
In the palliative care centre I will eventually go into to die.
Surrounded by the dying.
A depressing reinforcement of my future.
And not nearby for my family to easily drop in to say hi.
I can only imagine how much less of an impact on all of us it would be if we had a local respite centre.
It is certainly needed. On numbers alone.
I love Queanbeyan.
I live in Queanbeyan.
Why should I have to go to Canberra with aged care or dying for my family to have a break from the strain.
I can only hope that I am still alive and able to use this dream of a respite centre in Queanbeyan become a reality.
