Paul Bibby
The family of a 15-year-old boy who suffered a near-fatal fall from the cliffs at Cape Byron has launched a campaign to have the region’s rescue helicopter fitted with an important medical device that would have assisted with his rescue.
Connor Meldrum, 15, sustained critical head injuries on March 25 when he fell 15 metres while climbing one of the unmarked tracks going up the cliffs at the northern end of Tallow Beach.
The youth has been in and out of hospital over the ensuing months.
During a recent hospital visit, Connor’s family learned from one of the doctors who saved his life that treating the teenager on the cliff face would have been assisted by a portable video-larygoscope – a device which helps doctors to fit critically injured patients with a tube to help them breathe.
The family of injured teenager Connor Meldrum are raising funds for a a portable video-larygoscope. Image supplied
The family have now launched a GoFundMe campaign to purchase one of the $15,000 devices for the rescue helicopter based out of Lismore Base Hospital.
‘In the future it would be used when the medical retrieval of young children or adolescents is in a situation where the helicopter can’t land close by, such as falls from height, in car crashes and beach emergencies,’Connor’s mother Kim Goodrick said.
‘Unlike Israel Folau, our child did have ‘the fight of his life’, but we chose not to raise money for our significant medical and accommodation costs – we would rather it go to help others in the future
The GoFundMe campaign has already reached $9,300 of the $15,000 target.
‘We’re extremely grateful for those who have already contributed to this and we’re hopeful we can get to the target in time to have the equipment ready for the Spring and Summer months when the rescue helicopter is much busier.’
Meanwhile, the management of the GoFundMe site has taken down Israel Folau’s campaign page, set up to raise money for his legal battle against the termination of his contract by Rugby Australia following his homophobic social media posts.
‘Like Folau, we also have a legal case coming up, but we choose to fund this ourselves, Ms Goodrick said.
‘It truly saddens me to think that so many ‘Christians’ would prefer to support what is clearly a breach of workplace contract, over help for others in need. In truth, Israel Folau has the means to fund his own legal case, and he should do so, rather than taking money that could be so much better used elsewhere.’
You can make a contribution to the campaign for a portable video-larygoscope here.
That’s right – arrack the Christians. That aside, I hope your appeal reaches its target and perhaps a little more
Had to read the article again after your comment; don’t see any attack on Christians…?
Israel’s case has nothing to do with his religion although the persecuted Christians would like you to believe that. It’s everything to to with an employment contract versus the right to free speech, which incidentally in Australia is a perceived right not an absolute one like in the USA with their Bill of Rights.
But Israel has the means to fund his battle himself, his raising money from the public is disingenuous. Will he share the fruits of any win with his donors?
What a tragedy for the whole family, our heart goes out to them.
Commendable, inspiring and exceptional initiatives by the family in raising awareness of various safety issues around Cape Byron, and continuously acknowledging the people and various organisations in our community involved in the aftermath of Connor’s care – while in the midst of the worst experiences of their lives. Much love to you all.