The Mandurah community is rallying behind a local father who suffered life-altering injuries in a devastating motorcycle accident on a major Perth freeway last month.
A Life-Changing Moment on the Freeway
James Halford, a father of two young girls, fell from his motorbike while using the Pinjarra Road on-ramp to merge onto the Kwinana Freeway on November 16. The crash resulted in catastrophic injuries, with Mr Halford losing both of his legs.
Emergency services rushed the critically injured man to Royal Perth Hospital, where he received urgent, life-saving treatment. While he survived the traumatic incident, the injuries mean he will be unable to return to work, creating immense uncertainty for his family.
Community Support in a Time of Crisis
In response to the family's plight, close friends launched a GoFundMe campaign last week. The fundraiser has seen an outpouring of generosity, collecting more than $30,000 to aid the Halford family as they face a new and challenging reality.
Peter, the friend who created the fundraiser, outlined the difficult road ahead. "He is facing a long and difficult road to recovery, with many months in the hospital and ongoing rehabilitation ahead," he wrote.
He described James as a loving husband and dedicated father who was the primary provider for his household. With James unable to work, and his wife likely needing to take time off to care for him, the family's financial future is precarious.
Funds for Recovery and Adaptation
The money raised will be directed towards two crucial areas: supporting the family's immediate living costs and modifying their home to accommodate James's new needs.
"Their home will need modifications to support James’s future needs, and they will likely require new furniture and equipment just to make daily life possible," Peter added on the fundraising page.
He emphasised that every donation, regardless of size, would help ease the immense burden on the young family as they adjust to a life that was irrevocably changed in an instant.
Major Crash investigators are continuing their probe into the circumstances of the collision. They have appealed to the public for information, particularly from anyone who witnessed the crash or saw Mr Halford's black CFMOTO CF400-6F motorcycle travelling in the area beforehand.
Witnesses or anyone with relevant dash-cam or mobile phone footage are urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
