A fundraiser for the grieving wife and two young sons of former AFL player Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart is still almost $1.4million below its target after his sudden death at the age of 37.
About $110,000 has been contributed towards the $1.5million goal, leaving the appeal at just seven per cent of the amount needed to support Laura and their sons, Bernie and Lando.
That means only around seven cents has been raised for every dollar the organisers hope to collect.
The significant funding gap has prompted Stewart’s friends and supporters across the football and fitness communities to step forward and help protect his family’s future.
David Aitchison, Asia-Pacific chief executive of Body Fit Training, said Stewart had been the family’s primary income earner and had recently transferred his superannuation, leaving them without life insurance cover at the time of his death.
The $1.5million target is designed to help Laura retain the family home and give the two boys long-term stability, including support for their education.
Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart’s wife Laura and their sons Bernie and Lando face an uncertain future after his sudden death at 37
The fundraiser for Stewart’s grieving family has received about $110,000 towards its $1.5million target
Almost $1.4million is still needed for the memorial appeal, which has raised just over seven per cent of its goal
Stewart died on October 23 after suffering an unexpected medical episode, triggering an outpouring of grief from former teammates, friends and people across the fitness industry.
Claire Madden created The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund to channel the community’s offers of assistance into practical support for his family.
‘We are all completely heartbroken by the immense loss of Daniel Stewart, fondly known to so many of us as ‘Snowy’,’ she wrote.
Madden remembered him as a devoted husband, loving father and loyal friend, saying those who knew him best had been left struggling to express the depth of their loss.
She said a large number of people had contacted the family and organisers to ask how they could offer their help.
‘We hope this page provides a meaningful way for our community to come together, contribute, and wrap Laura, Bernie, and Lando in the love and support they need right now.’
Stewart represented Port Adelaide in 36 games between 2010 and 2013, kicking 31 goals for the club.
Laura has been left to raise her two young sons following the sudden death of her former footballer husband
Port Adelaide will pay tribute to Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first Adelaide Oval home game in 2027
The 200cm forward arrived at the Power through the 2009 rookie draft after playing for North Adelaide, having earlier developed through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
Following his football career, Stewart became a Body Fit Training franchise operator with former Port Adelaide teammate and close friend Matt Thomas, helping expand the fitness network during its formative years.
BFT remembered him as a much-loved figure whose contribution extended well beyond business.
‘More than that he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and much-loved member of the BFT family,’ the company said.
Thomas paid an emotional tribute to the man who had been part of his life for 17 years.
‘We were never just friends. We were always family. And life will never be the same without you.’
Former teammate Kane Cornes also expressed his heartbreak.
‘A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face,’ he wrote.
‘I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.’
Port Adelaide will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027, with the club also pledging support for those affected by his death.
Donations can be made through The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund.
