John has worked over 10 yrs driving taxis in Airlie beach (Whitsundays) and loves his community in north QLD! Whilst having a well deserved holiday in Bali John suffered a devastating spinal injury after a fall, leaving him with loss of feeling and mobility from his hips to his toes. He underwent emergency spinal surgery on 26th May 2026, but after developing blood clots around his spinal cord, he required a second emergency surgery just 2 days later. This has caused delays in John’s spinal recovery.

Since then, John has faced multiple ICU stays, pneumonia, and an incredibly difficult road to recovery. John has been in hospital for 8 weeks and he continues to focus on intensive rehabilitation, working hard every day to regain sensation and mobility. His partner, Kate, has remained by his side throughout this journey.

Because John was unable to fly home on commercial flights, he has had to remain in Bali for treatment (at least 3 mths) from the surgery. John uses a steel back brace to provide support during therapy to be assist John to sit up, he can only wear this for 2hrs at a time. It’s slow and steady for John at this stage.

Unfortunately, their travel insurance claim was declined (a decision they are continuing to challenge), leaving them to cover all medical expenses themselves using their savings and John’s superannuation. Medical bills, hospital stays, and accommodation have already exceeded $100,000 AUD, with costs continuing to rise, and they still don’t know when John will be well enough to return home.

We’re asking for your support to help ease the financial burden so John and Kate can focus on what matters most—his recovery and getting him safely home.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support. Every donation, message, and share makes a real difference.

❤️‍ With heartfelt thanks,

John, Kate, family and friends