Over €150k raised for Cavan man injured in Australia

A fundraiser set up by the family of a Cavan man injured in a serious road collision in a remote area of Western Australia has surpassed €150k in just four days.

Ben is a "much loved" member of both the Irish in Perth community and his home communities in Crosserlough and Virginia.

The outpouring of support since the incident on October 14 means the fundraiser is some €60, 000 shy of its target. Over 2,200 people have donated to the fundraiser to date.

The twenty-five-year-old, who is on a working holiday visa, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

He has sustained life-changing injuries, including a right arm amputation, spinal injuries, and head trauma (traumatic brain injury) and is currently in an induced coma.

His father Ollie, sister Joy, and their partners Sophia and Johnny have flown out from Ireland to be by his side in Australia.

Ben, a construction worker, also has a large network of friends and his girlfriend in Perth, all of whom are rallying around him with incredible love and strength.

"He’s known for his hard work, resilience, and great sense of humour. Qualities that will be vital in the long road ahead.

"We are in close contact with the Claddagh Association, who are providing invaluable guidance and support during this difficult time. However, Ben faces a long and uncertain road to recovery, one that will likely take many months and involve specialist rehabilitation, prosthetic fitting, and ongoing medical and emotional care."

The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) will cover urgent medical care with some future support such as initial rehabilitation, but the extent of his needs are not known. Ben will likely need to remain in Australia for many months to receive the quality of care he needs.

"As his friends and family come together to support him, we are setting up this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden that lies ahead."

Funds raised will go directly towards:

- Future medical care and rehabilitation not covered by the RHCA

- Urgent family travel and accommodation costs during his recovery in Australia as his condition changes

- Ben's non medical costs as he will be without income for months or longer and any future care or adaptation needs as his recovery continues into his future

Any remaining money would be donated to charitable organisations e.g. Claddagh Association, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Royal Perth ICU.

"Ben’s journey will require immense strength and community support. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and help give him the best possible chance to rebuild his life after this devastating accident," the go fund me page encourages.

"We also want to say a huge thank you for the outpouring of support from everyone in Cavan, across Ireland, and all over Australia, from those who attended masses for Ben to those sending messages, prayers, and donations.

"Your kindness means more than words can say. The staff in the Royal Perth hospital are giving him great care and we thank them too."

"Let’s rally together for Ben, to show him that no matter how far from home he is, he’s surrounded by love and support from his friends, family, and the Irish community across the world."