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Sister's mission to send Aussie brother's ashes on 'final journey' into space

A Hobart woman is making a dream come true for her late brother who had the wish of visiting space.

Claudia Horne is working to fulfil Simon Reidy's dream of taking an adventure in space after he took his own life in August.

The idea to send his ashes into orbit came from an email she found that Mr Reidy had sent years ago.

"It sounded so far off, like only an incredibly rich celebrity could do something like that," Ms Horne told the ABC.

Simon Reidy died in August. Source: Go Fund Me
Simon Reidy died in August. Source: Go Fund Me

Mr Reidy's remains will be launched in a spacecraft in February next year and will pass every location in the world over a huge two-year journey.

After all is said and done, the capsule will re-enter Earth's atmosphere and blaze as a shooting star.

His family will be on his "final journey" with him, from earth, as they can track the progress of the capsule through a smartphone application.

"Looking up into the sky for those two years will be amazing for us — amazing and emotional all in one," she said.

Ms Horne described the past few months as a "hard time for my family" and said "this tribute to him means so much".

Mr Reidy's sister is raising money to send his brother's ashes into space. Source: Supplied
Mr Reidy's sister is raising money to send his brother's ashes into space. Source: Supplied

Ms Horne created a Go Fund Me page to help raise funds for the two-year journey.

Almost $7000 has been raised so far, surpassing the family's original goal.

The remaining money will go to the Lifeline Charity.

"We're very grateful for the support and donations," she told 7 News Online.

Ms Horne said the tribute is "really symbolic" because it captures "who Simon was as a person - a deep thinker".

Mr Reidy with his girlfriend Kim Woodcock. Source: Go Fund Me
Mr Reidy with his girlfriend Kim Woodcock. Source: Go Fund Me

Mr Reidy also left behind his girlfriend of two years, Kim Woodcock.

"When it comes to something so sad as Simon's death and suicide, a lot of people don't know what to say, and this is a way they could show their support without having to really say anything," Ms Horne said of the tribute.

Mr Reidy's mission will launch from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800