“It’s just not fair,” the note reads. 

“My heart goes out to you and your family.” 

In the weeks since Mrs Phillips was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, the local community has done everything they can to support the beloved family of six.

The letter, which includes a $20 cash donation, is one of many tokens of support that have left the family speechless. 

A Duck Derby hosted by Hamilton police earlier this month raised over $10,000 and an online Go Fund Me has more than doubled its initial $20,000 target.

Family friend Diane Barrera said the community had alleviated a lot of the family’s financial pressure – and were now offering practical help too. 

“So many people have dug into their wallets but if you’re going through financial difficulty, that isn’t always an option,” she said. 

Mrs Barrera is running an online roster that offers everything from home cooked meals to gardening services. 

She said the Loving Naomi Crew had 100 members, with some living as far as New Zealand. 

“I was chatting to Mark last night and with Naomi in the hospital at the moment, it just sounded like he was ready to crash,” Mrs Barrera said. 

“I said ‘don’t say another word’ and put up a post (on Facebook).

“I received 42 messages in one hour. There’s just so many people who want to help, it’s amazing.” 

Crew members have helped mow the lawns, do the washing, cook meals, bake snacks and even load sheep onto a trailer ready for sheering.

“These may seem like minor tasks but the last thing this family needs is to be worrying about regular day-to-day things like grocery shopping,” Mrs Barrera said.

“We can take care of the house and Mark and the kids can spend their time with Naomi.

“They're such a beautiful family and while I don’t have a cure for Naomi, I’ll do everything possible to take the pain away.” 

For more information or to offer your support, visit the Loving Naomi Facebook page.

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