Glenmore Park father Simon Tadros and his son Nicholas have been to hell and back since the January 2023 Sea World Helicopters tragedy that claimed the life of their wife and mother, Vanessa.
Now, nearly two years on from the horrific mid-air helicopter collision that resulted in Nicholas losing the lower part of his right leg and requiring multiple subsequent surgeries, a fresh challenge awaits the pair right before Christmas.
Last week, Tadros was notified by his real estate agent that the landlord of the Glenmore Park property he’s been renting for the past 13 years would be putting it on the open market.
The news came as a massive shock to the single father, who knew this day would come eventually, but not this soon.
“I spoke with the landlord earlier this year and he told me he was going to sell but not for another couple of years and, when he does, he would give me first choice at buying the house because of the memories we have there,” Tadros told the Weekender.
“So, what’s changed? I don’t know. I’m not going to judge the man, I don’t know his circumstances, but it’s put me in a very bad predicament.”
Making the situation harder for Tadros is that he’s currently unemployed because he cares for his son full-time, and he’s yet to receive any financial compensation from Sea World Helicopters nearly two years after the Gold Coast tragedy.
Tadros’ ultimate dream is to buy the property himself, so he and Nicholas can remain living in Glenmore Park – a place they feel comfortable and safe – on a permanent basis.
“Nicholas’ whole life is in that house. My marriage was in that house. We’re not ready to let it go,” Tadros said.
“When I told Nicholas the landlord was selling the house, he burst into tears for almost three hours. He was absolutely devastated!
“Nicholas’ life is in Glenmore Park – his schooling, his friends, his church community. Everything is in Glenmore Park. If I have to tell him we have to leave… he’s gone through enough.”
While Tadros does have around $500,000 sitting untouched in a GoFundMe account that he planned to keep for Nicholas’ future, he would consider using that money to help purchase the home, however he won’t have nearly enough funds to purchase it in its entirety until he is compensated by Sea World Helicopters.
Tadros hopes that this story will catch the eye of a financial backer that can assist him in the meantime.
“I just want someone to help me buy that house in some way, shape or form, knowing that there is money coming [via Sea World Helicopters], I just need a helping hand now. I can’t afford a mortgage, that’s why I’m asking for help,” Tadros said.
“It’s no secret that there is money coming in, the court cases will be widely televised. I just wish this was happening eight months to a year down the track.”
Tadros said the real estate agent, which is located in Regentville, will do everything in its power to make sure the pair have a roof over their head – either via a new rental or encouraging an investor to buy the property – if he is unable to purchase the home himself.
“They are a great real estate and I’ve been with them all of this time,” Tadros said.
“We have a very good relationship and they’ve been very supportive along the way, but they can’t perform miracles and I can’t leave it to them to decide our future.”
Like any single parent, Tadros’ main priority is looking after the happiness and welfare of his son Nicholas now and into the future.
“Nicholas will be attending high school next year and purchasing the house will put stability into his life,” Tadros said.
“I’ve said from day one that if anything ever happens to me, I need to make sure that my son has a roof over his head.”
On Wednesday, the law firm working on behalf of Sea World Helicopters, Carter Newell, provided the Weekender with an update in relation to the Tadros’ financial compensation.
“Sea World Helicopters and their solicitors are working proactively with the Tadros’ family solicitor to resolve compensation as quickly as possible and await their solicitor’s progress of this matter,” a Carter Newell spokesperson said.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.