A family continues to face an overwhelming financial and emotional toll five years after their son, Lucas, was born prematurely during the Black Summer bushfires.

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The fires and smoke prevented emergency services from reaching Lucas Hopwood, forcing medical staff to spend 11 heartbreaking hours hand-ventilating the newborn and using cling film to keep him warm.

Described as "the sweetest, happiest little man," Lucas, who will turn six on December 31, 2025, has spent more than a year in and out of hospitals.

With an ever-increasing financial t

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