Help Willie on his long journey ahead

On the 4th of April, our good friend Willie Gleeson sustained life-changing injuries in a car crash. In a critical condition, he underwent emergency surgery in the Mater Hospital for a punctured lung, 11 broken ribs and 2 breaks in his spine, among other complications.

Willie and his partner Hayley would like to sincerely thank everyone who stayed with him at the scene, the paramedics, fire brigade, staff in the A&E UHL, and the Mater who ultimately saved his life.

After surviving the surgery, they were told his spinal injuries were irreversible, and he was paralysed. Anyone that knows Willie can only guess at the realisation that his whole life was about to change, including his beloved job as a tree surgeon.

Willie is doing his hardest to get back to UHL before he faces months of rehab in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, and also where his little boy Odin, 4 years old, can visit his daddy.

The funds raised will be used to help with all the necessary house alterations and new transport that he will need for many medical trips and for when he comes home. We are also setting this up for his family, Hayley and Odin, who also need support.

The progress he has made so far is astonishing the staff in the Mater, but this will come as no surprise to everyone who knows Willie Gleeson. Known far and wide, his happy go lucky smile and 'how ya going? I'm Willie' would put a grin on anyone's face. A hard-working family man and an unbelievable friend to so many through the years. He was never one to sit still, and being outdoors all the time was his way.

The support they have received from his many friends has been so greatly appreciated and has lifted his spirits to no end. The sheer determination and willpower he has shown, his sense of humour that he hasn't lost, and his zest for life still, are inspirational.

Please help and support by donating any little you can and sharing this fundraiser far and wide.