Help Darcy with his Double Hip Surgery & Recovery

Hey - This is Seth here and I am seeking your support for Darcy Roberts-Clarke. This week Darcy underwent his first of 2 Hip Surgeries.

He is our 23-year-old apprentice carpenter who has been working with us for 2.5 years. For those who know the industry, you’ll understand that apprentice carpenters don’t earn much and it’s a very physically demanding job. He’s a dedicated, hardworking young man who always shows up at least 30 minutes before work and rarely takes a sick day. That was until his body started betraying him. After months and months of debilitating pain, then specialists consultations and imaging, Darcy received the bad news that he requires surgery on both hips due to bone spurs and cysts amongst other things.

Over the last 10-12 months, I’ve watched the toll this has taken on him physically. Even though he’s only 23, the pain has slowly increased to the point where it is impossible to sit, walk, or move let alone try and work. Darcy’s avoided taking pain medication because it makes him too drowsy and it’s too dangerous for work and driving.

The surgeries required are two hip arthroscopies to repair labarum tears, remove cysts, and address Cam FAI. The cost for one surgery is $20,500, which includes - the Hospital fee, Surgeon fee, Anaesthetist fee, Assistant surgeon and that’s what we know of for now. With two surgeries required, the total comes to $41,000.

This is his immediate burden - the multiple surgery costs. However, then there is the down time for recovery itself which puts him off his feet for 6 weeks. Following this he will have months of physiotherapy with the hope come Christmas/New Years, he will be able to walk without any restrictions. It will be months before he can even think about coming back to work, and yet he is already trying to figure out how to get back and complete his apprenticeship. Darcy is the kind who can’t sit still and is always doing. He’s an avid bird watcher with James (my other apprentice) and with his fiancée Hollie. He is very artistic, creative, and a genuinely kind young man.

Darcy and Hollie have each other and are in the thick of it supporting one another as best they can. That’s why we’ve set up this GFM, much to his displeasure. Your donations will go towards covering Darcy’s medical procedures, rehab & living expenses. In the hopes to alleviate some of the financial pressures he is facing. Anything you can contribute will make a big difference, and we’re grateful for your support.

Please feel free to share this campaign with anyone and everyone, as Darcy is an absolute legend, a humble soul and is the kind of person who brings joy and laughter wherever he goes. Your donations, no matter how small, will go directly toward giving Darcy surgery & recovery.

Please, if you can, donate, share this page we would be so grateful for your support.