A fundraising initiative which was set up for a Crosserlough man who was involved in a serious road crash in Western Australia has reached almost €200,000.
25-year-old Ben Denning Galligan sustained life-changing injuries, including a right arm amputation, spinal injuries, and a traumatic brain injury as a result of the collision which occurred in Perth on October 14th.
Two weeks on and his family have provided an update stating that he is showing "encouraging signs."
An update posted on the GoFundMe page stated: "His family and friends are feeling hopeful as he takes these small but important steps forward. The outpouring of support from Cavan, across Ireland, and all over Australia has been incredible, and it means the world to Ben’s loved ones as they stay by his side."
The statement continued: "It has now been two weeks since Ben’s accident, and he continues to receive outstanding care from the incredible team at Royal Perth Hospital. He has undergone multiple surgeries on his arm and is being treated for spinal injuries, for which he currently has a halo head brace in place to stabilise his neck and spine.
"We’re very glad to share that Ben is making progress slowly but surely. He is moving all of his limbs and responding to some commands, even while in his coma. Just two days ago, the doctors were able to remove his breathing tube for some time, and during that window Ben was awake, recognised people around him, and even asked a few questions. Because he is still very weak, he was placed back under sedation to allow his body more time to rest and heal. These are really encouraging signs, and his family and friends are feeling hopeful as he takes these small but important steps forward."
