My name is Angela Smith, and I’m raising funds for two of my close friends, Declan and Dee, and their three young children.

In early 2025, their lives changed forever.

Declan experienced his first significant mental health episode, later diagnosed as bipolar disorder. Until this point, he was fit, active, and thriving — a driven business owner, a deeply involved father, and a devoted husband. He had built successful businesses, lived an active lifestyle, and was fully present with his family of five.

As his mental health deteriorated, Declan sought professional help and entered treatment to stabilise and recover. During this time, he was suddenly removed from his role within the business he had built from the ground up and lost his primary source of income. At the same time, he became involved in an ongoing legal dispute relating to his exit from the business — all while trying to navigate a serious and newly diagnosed mental illness.

The combination of severe mental health challenges, loss of work and identity, financial strain, and the emotional weight of legal proceedings became overwhelming.

In mid-2025, during a period of deep depression and hopelessness, Declan attempted to take his own life. In the early hours of the morning, while out on a run, he stepped off a 25-metre cliff.

Declan survived — but with catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

He sustained a fractured pelvis, lumbar spine injuries, four broken ribs, both ankles broken, internal and external fractures, and significant nerve damage. He underwent multiple surgeries and required a stoma for four months following surgery. Declan spent over six months in hospital and rehabilitation.

At just 32 years old, Declan is now relearning how to walk. He can walk short distances with a frame and assistance, but he continues to live with ongoing nerve damage, foot drop, limited sensation in his legs and feet, and loss of bladder and bowel control. His medical team has been clear that recovery will take many months — and possibly years — with outcomes still uncertain.

Throughout this entire journey, Declan has shown extraordinary courage and determination. Every small milestone — standing, walking a few more metres, regaining sensation — has been hard-won.

Behind the scenes, the financial toll has been immense. Extended hospitalisation, rehabilitation, mobility equipment, home modifications, specialist appointments, and time away from work have placed enormous strain on the family. Dee has been carrying the weight of supporting their three children while managing everything on a single income.

I’m raising funds to help support Declan’s ongoing recovery and to ease the financial pressure on this family during an incredibly difficult time, including support for:

Any support — whether through a donation or simply sharing this page — will make a real difference. It allows Declan to focus on recovery, both physically and mentally, rather than simply surviving.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for standing with them during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.