Ellen’s partner, Deanne, says:

“Ellen and I didn’t have the time together that we should have had. We didn’t have long enough, but in that time she became such a huge part of my life and our family. Our relationship was something truly special; we just connected, laughed together, and it felt like we had known each other forever. She was my person and the future I never got.

“Ellen was everything you could want in a partner. She was kind, caring, loyal and protective of the people she loved. She always put others first, often looking after everyone else even when she was carrying struggles of her own. She had my back in every way and made me feel supported, loved and safe.

“Her bond with Chase was incredibly special. She wasn’t just his stepmum; she was a huge part of his world. They brought so much happiness to each other, and the connection they shared is something that can never be replaced. She leaves a space in our lives that will never be filled.”

Ellen’s sister, Katie, says:

“Ellen was simply the best big sister and the fun-loving auntie who brought endless joy and laughter wherever she went. She was my biggest supporter, my greatest advocate and the person who always believed in me. The love she gave was unconditional, and I feel incredibly lucky to call her my sister. I miss her every single day.”

In the words of both Ellen’s partner, Deanne, and her sister, Katie:

Ellen was someone who cared deeply about people. She believed everyone deserved to feel seen, heard and valued, and she lived by those values every single day. This shone through in both her personal life and her career, where she was a passionate leader in diversity and inclusion and an Allyship Champion for the LGBTQ+ community. She encouraged people to be their true, authentic selves and always saw the good in others.

We share Ellen’s story because we don’t want anyone experiencing gambling harm to ever feel alone. You are loved, you are valued, and there is always hope. Recovery is possible, support exists, and asking for help is a sign of strength. Ellen wasn’t defined by gambling; gambling was something that took hold of her.

Ellen’s life mattered. Although she should still be with us today, her kindness, compassion and the difference she made in the lives of others will never be forgotten. Her legacy will continue to live on through everyone whose lives she touched. We hope her story inspires greater understanding, compassion and change, so that no other family has to endure the heartbreak of losing someone they love.

If you’ve lost someone you love to gambling harm, no words will ever be enough to make sense of that loss. The heartbreak, unanswered questions and silence that can follow are unlike anything I have ever known. Please know you are not alone. Hold on to the person they were beyond their gambling, because they were so much more than the addiction that took hold of them. The road ahead will be different and unique for everyone. Be kind to yourself, take each day as it comes, and know that even in your darkest moments, there is hope and you don’t have to walk this journey alone.