Hi, I’m Amanda (Cassie’s middle sister!) and I'm raising funds to help Ben recover!

Anyone that knows Ben or Cass will know I’ll be ripped to shreds for making this page. They’re the first to give help, and the last to ever accept it.

Ironically enough, being the first to jump in and help a stranger out is exactly how Ben has managed to end up needing this help - On Tuesday a fire broke out in the home of a neighbour he was yet to meet - of course he had to help! (I’m hoping to sneakily reach the goal before they have ANY idea, and have no choice but to accept it!)

Cass and Ben only moved into their new home two weeks ago, but as soon as he saw the smoke, he was out the door to see how he could help. Ben, being the absolute bloody legend that he is jumped into action, to help fend off the flames, but the blaze was significant and extinguishers running dry.

While waiting for the fire engines to arrive, Ben remembered he had another extinguisher in the boat. He felt the need for speed. In some kind of adrenaline-fuelled, superhuman effort - Ben launched himself over the 6ft colourbond fence (maybe could have been an Olympic high jumper!) into his backyard to grab the extra extinguisher. On landing however, he managed to break his right leg extensively.

As the family nurse, I know trouble when I see it - and while he’s still waiting for fixation surgery, our Benny boy has a long road back to get on his feet.

Fire Incident Details here: https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/warning/nsw/AUREMER-813d617fbbb32bb98ca1a224e7ed4256

Ben's work is manual - and he's not going to be walking, driving (or fishing, sorry dude) for at least the next six months. An awesome Dad of three, whose youngest has extensive medical needs; there's no personal leave left.

I'm asking for help for Ben and Cass while waiting the three months before income protection can be claimed from superannuation - so that he can focus on the long rehab road ahead without stressing about losing their new home.

This is a Tibial Plateau fracture - they’re pretty rare - normally the bone snaps down somewhere along the shin (the shaft). It's not just the impressive break though - his knee is going to need extensive rehabilitation too - the force needed to create such a break will have pulverised his meniscus, and I can’t imagine the MCL and ACL will be too pleased with all the “shin”anegans! (Pun!)

When Ben is out of surgery, I'll post updates. Thanks in advance for helping out or sharing!