My name is Emma, and I am raising this fundraiser on behalf of my best friend, Caroline.

On 25 January 2026, Caroline was brutally attacked in broad daylight as she went for a mid-morning run in Rockhampton. Despite doing everything right to ensure her personal safety: running on a popular and well-used track during the day, with her location shared with friends and family, she still fell victim to this horrendous crime.

As details of this horrific attack have gradually been released by police, the entire community of Rockhampton and greater Queensland have been left in deep shock. People report feeling profound sadness and outrage that something like this could happen in their community. This could have been any of our own mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, or colleagues, doing something completely ordinary, somewhere they should have been safe. This is what makes this crime so devastating and so hard to comprehend.

For me, this is not a news story. This is my best friend.

Who is Caroline?

Caroline is one of the most kind, compassionate, and quietly brilliant people I have ever known. She has dedicated her life to helping others – it is not just what she does, it is who she is. Her warmth, her humor, and her genuine care for the people around her make her extraordinarily beautiful, both inside and out.

Caroline has always loved adventure, travel, and living life fully. She has never been someone to hold back from experiencing something new. She has always been an athlete. Running has been one of her greatest loves, something she was not only passionate about but genuinely gifted at.

I have always known Caroline was incredible. But knowing what she survived on that terrible day, I can say with complete sincerity: Caroline is the bravest person I know.

Why I Am Here

I am one of Caroline's closest friends. We met at university and have remained inseparable across continents and years. When I heard what happened to Caroline, I did not hesitate. I travelled from the United States to be by her side, as did our dear friend Jessica, who travelled from overseas. Because that is what you do for someone who means everything to you.

Caroline is not alone. She is surrounded by people who love her fiercely. But love alone cannot cover the very real and significant financial burden that has been placed on her as a direct result of this crime, through absolutely no fault of her own.

What Caroline Needs

Due to the severity of her injuries and the nature of this attack, Caroline has had to be relocated – uprooted from her home and her life, to start again in an unfamiliar place. This alone has come at enormous cost. It is also a painful and continuous reminder of the injustices that victims of gender-based violent crime are forced to carry every single day.

Caroline's recovery will be long. It will require extensive, ongoing and specialized multidisciplinary treatment from both medical and allied health professionals working together to give her the best possible chance at healing. This treatment will come at significant financial cost, on top of everything else she is already carrying physically, emotionally and mentally.

Caroline is doing everything she possibly can to heal and move forward. She should not have to worry about money while she does it.

How Your Donation Will Help

Every dollar raised through this GoFundMe will go directly to Caroline to support:

•⁠ ⁠Ongoing medical and specialist treatment costs

•⁠ ⁠Psychological and mental health care

•⁠ ⁠Relocation and living expenses as she rebuilds her life

•⁠ ⁠Practical recovery needs as they arise throughout her healing journey

Caroline must remain anonymous and no further information beyond what has already been released by police can or will be shared. This is to protect the ongoing investigation, and above all, to protect Caroline's privacy and dignity.

What This Means to Us

I am standing here, on the other side of the world from my own home, because Caroline deserves to know she is not facing this alone. Jessica is here for the same reason. We are a community of people – friends, colleagues, and strangers who have been moved by Caroline's story – who refuse to let her carry this by herself.

To the people of Rockhampton and Queensland who have already shown such extraordinary support – the messages, the outrage, the unity – Caroline and her family want you to know that your kindness reached her in her darkest moments. It was seen. It was felt. It will never be forgotten. The walk organized by the Mum's Miles Club, and the remarkable turnout from the community, brought a small but real glimmer of light to Caroline and those who love her during an unimaginably painful time.

Caroline's hope, and ours, is that one day she can lace up her shoes, step outside, and go for a run feeling safe. That is a right every woman in Australia deserves. It should never have been taken from her.

Please help us give Caroline the chance to reclaim her life.

With love and gratitude,

Emma & Jessica

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We kindly ask that people refrain from contacting us seeking further information. No additional information can or will be shared. The integrity of the police investigation and Caroline's privacy must be respected at all times. Thank you.

Community Walk