TEN months after losing her husband, Andrew, Bec Barry is honouring his memory by creating something they dreamed of together.
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Last year Andrew passed away of rare heart condition arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy. It turned a normal day in the Barry house into a tragedy.
"It was just a normal day," Bec said. "He had been at work, he rang and said he would be home at 4pm. We had dinner, he played with kids and we put the kids to bed. There was nothing out of the ordinary and he didn't say he felt unwell.
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"We had a routine at night where had we a cup of tea and a chocolate and as he was talking to me, I had my back to him and he just stopped talking."
Andrew's sudden death was a shock to Bec and his two children Taj, 11, and Zali,8, as well as his extended family and friends.
"It's been tough, there is a lot of trauma and sleepless nights, and raising two kids on my own is a job in itself," Bec said.
Out of the tragedy, Bec has launched a line of clothing, titled AVC The Label, as a way to raise awareness for the condition along with funds for the Heart Foundation.
"It is something Andrew and I always spoke about, creating our own business and label," Bec said. "Once the initial shock and everything settled, I wanted to do something to honour his legacy and create our dream.
"I sat on (the idea) for a while, not knowing what call it or do (about it). The AVC popped in to my head and I (we decided to) call it that - AVC The Label - and donate a per cent back to the Heart Foundation.
"I was in a dark place before I launched this business and, since launching, I have this new found passion and push.
"(Taj and Zali) are a big part of this. They picked the kids T-shirts and wanted specific colours. They help out and I'm hoping this is something I can pass on to them down the track.
"It's very rewarding, overwhelming and bitter-sweet. It's something he and I wanted and now I am doing it on my own."
The AVC The Label line includes a range of hoodies, T-shirts and accessories but Bec is planning to introduce more items for summer including active wear, shorts and hats.
"Andrew never liked to get dressed up, he was always in work clothes and loved wearing hoodies and T-shirts," she said. "But I want something for everyone, that's why I'm looking at active athletic-leisure close."
Bec's own expectations for the business weren't high but it has had a strong launch which has been encouraging for her.
"(My expectations) weren't anything like it has been," she said. "I didn't expect it to be so big. In hindsight, I thought I would start a business and plod along but there has been some next level, amazing support.
"I am partnering with the Heart Foundation in October for MyMarathon, where you run 42.2km over the course of October."
AVC is rare condition but not undetectable. Bec said standard testing won't find it.
Since launching Bec said she has had support from many people connected to by the rare heart condition.
"Andrew had tests and his heart was doing everything it should be," she said. "The only time you find it is if the arrhythmia happens while testing is being done. That's why we didn't push for an MRI.
"So many people have contacted me saying they have got the condition, or their partner also died from AVC or they are going to get an MRI."
For more information on AVC The Label visit www.avcthelabel.com
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