Copyright irishmirror
A Cavan family has launched a fundraiser to support their 25-year-old son, who remains in intensive care in Australia after suffering life-changing injuries in a serious road collision. Ben Denning Galligan, from Crosserlough and Virginia, Co Cavan was involved in a crash on Tuesday, October 14, in a remote area of Western Australia. Ben, who had been working in construction while on a working-holiday visa, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in an induced coma in the Intensive Care Unit. He sustained a right-arm amputation, spinal injuries, and a traumatic brain injury. His father Ollie, sister Joy, and their partners, Sophia and Johnny, have travelled from Ireland to be by his side. Ben’s girlfriend and a large network of friends in Perth have also rallied around him. The family said Ben is “a much-loved member of both the Irish in Perth community and his home communities in Crosserlough and Virginia,” describing him as “hard-working, resilient, and full of humour — qualities that will be vital in the long road ahead.” A GoFundMe appeal called ‘Ben's recovery after a traumatic injury in Western Australia’ set up by Ben’s family has already raised over €180,000 from supporters in Ireland, Australia, and around the world. The family said they are “overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown.” While the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Ireland and Australia will cover urgent hospital treatment, Ben’s recovery is expected to take many months and will require extensive specialist rehabilitation and prosthetic support. The family is working closely with the Claddagh Association, which is providing guidance and assistance. Funds raised will go towards medical care and rehabilitation not covered by the agreement, family accommodation and travel during Ben’s recovery, and non-medical costs as he remains unable to work. Any surplus funds will be donated to charities including the Claddagh Association, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Royal Perth Hospital ICU. In a statement, Ben’s family expressed their gratitude for the “outpouring of love and support” from people in Cavan, across Ireland, and throughout Australia. “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and help give Ben the best possible chance to rebuild his life after this devastating accident,” they said. “We’re deeply thankful for the kindness and prayers from everyone, and to the staff at Royal Perth Hospital for their exceptional care.” The family is urging people to share the fundraiser and keep Ben in their thoughts as he faces the long road to recovery. The fundraiser called ‘Ben's recovery after a traumatic injury in Western Australia’ can be accessed here Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .
