This is the reality for Cessnock’s Troy Saxby, whose brother Dave died on August 7 from a heart attack, aged 39.

Dave was the sole provider for his partner and their four children, and his death was completely unexpected.

“It was a huge shock to all the family,” Troy said.

“When you get a call saying your brother’s had a heart attack, you think he’s going to be okay.

“It was the worst thing I’ve ever had to endure.”

Now Dave’s family risk losing their house and car, as they no longer have the income they used to have, all the while grieving for their father and partner.

Troy felt the need to do something to ensure this doesn’t  happen, and to help the family out as much as he can.

“He’s put so much work into the house, and to see it go down would be such a shame,” he said.

Troy has organised “A Day for Dave” to help raise money for the family, and to gather with friends and family in remembrance of their lost loved one.

The fundraising concert will be held on Saturday from 11am to 6pm at the Music for Life hall on North Avenue.

There will be live bands, an auction and raffle to help raise funds for Dave’s family and be able to buy a headstone for his grave.

There are lots of great prizes that have been donated by various local businesses, and Troy wants to thank them all for their generosity.

“There are too many [businesses] to mention, they’ve been wonderful,” he said.

And while the day will be a great financial start for the family, Troy said it will be his lifelong mission to help them.

“This will be my cause,” he said.

“I’ll dedicate the rest of my life to help his family.”