I am writing to you to see if you can help a New Caledonia family during what will be a very tough time.
Earlier this week Anthony, a perfectly normal 10 year old boy was having fun jumping off the back of a boat into the water near Port Du Sud Marina here in New Caledonia when he was attacked by a large bull shark, estimated to be 3.5m in length. His injuries are life changing to say the least.
His left leg and pelvis were severed. He also totally lost his genitals and as if that was not enough, the poor child has also had the anus very damaged.
Leanne and I along with some of the Down Under Rally Go East Rally participants attended a fundraiser here in New Caledonia last night where we met Anthony's mother Lydi and learned that Anthony has been flown to Sydney for treatment where he will be for a long time.
His mother Lydi, is flying to Sydney today and she too will be living in the hospital with Anthony for the foreseeable future.
Lydi has no family or friends in Australia so it would be great if the Australia sailing community especially those in the Sydney area could reach out to Lydi and Anthony to provide support in whatever way possible during their time in Australia, even if it is just by becoming a friend to the family and providing moral support.
Below a the link to a Facebook page that has been set up to help the family and below that a link to a fundraising page that has also been set up to help Anthony and the family.
If you are able to help personally please email Lydi direct using the email address below with any offers of support:
Lydi Larrouy
Kind Regards,
John Hembrow
