Help Gareth come home
Donation protected
On the 25th of April this year, while most people were celebrating Anzac Day & watching the footy, Leisha and Gareth were on a holiday in South Africa with family.
They were swimming in a river in Kleinmond, South Africa when Gareth dived into the water which unbeknownst to him, was extremely shallow. Within minutes he had hit his head and swam to the surface screaming for help.
Bystanders including his family, and fiancé Leisha expected his injuries to be minimal as all that was visible was a head laceration. After being dragged from the water, Gareth told his dad he was unable to feel his legs. Which is when panic mode kicked in. It took over an hour for emergency services to arrive, and in that time Gareth started going into shock. His family, and a nearby neighbour did everything they could to keep him comfortable.
Fast forward a few weeks, and Gareth is currently suffering paralysis from the waist down. He has broken his neck, and has blood bruising and swelling on his spine. Doctors say that the chances of him walking again, are slim. He is on a ventilator due to a newly found lung infection and will require some rehab before even considering the trip back to Australia.
When coming home, Gareth will require extensive rehabilitation. Both him and Leisha are currently unable to work, and their house will require a lot of modifications so that Leisha and Gareth can live comfortably in their own home.
Leisha, Gareth & families appreciate any donations; big or small. If you are unable to donate, please share this page ❤️
They were swimming in a river in Kleinmond, South Africa when Gareth dived into the water which unbeknownst to him, was extremely shallow. Within minutes he had hit his head and swam to the surface screaming for help.
Bystanders including his family, and fiancé Leisha expected his injuries to be minimal as all that was visible was a head laceration. After being dragged from the water, Gareth told his dad he was unable to feel his legs. Which is when panic mode kicked in. It took over an hour for emergency services to arrive, and in that time Gareth started going into shock. His family, and a nearby neighbour did everything they could to keep him comfortable.
Fast forward a few weeks, and Gareth is currently suffering paralysis from the waist down. He has broken his neck, and has blood bruising and swelling on his spine. Doctors say that the chances of him walking again, are slim. He is on a ventilator due to a newly found lung infection and will require some rehab before even considering the trip back to Australia.
When coming home, Gareth will require extensive rehabilitation. Both him and Leisha are currently unable to work, and their house will require a lot of modifications so that Leisha and Gareth can live comfortably in their own home.
Leisha, Gareth & families appreciate any donations; big or small. If you are unable to donate, please share this page ❤️
Organizer
Rialanna Pochec-Gordon
Organizer
Hackham, SA