The Crescent Head community is coming together to support 17-year-old Hamish Cook and his family after the teenager was seriously injured following an accident in the water at Crescent Head last month.
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Hamish was pulled from the water by his friends before paramedics were called to the scene at Little Nobby at around 5.30pm on January 13.
He was conscious when ambulance crews arrived and was winched to safety by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter before being transported to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Hamish's parents, Justin and Michelle, have spent the past three and a half weeks by their son's side in hospital while their two younger children, Bailey and Lyla, are being looked after by their grandmother.
Hamish has severe spinal damage which will likely see the 17-year-old wheelchair bound. He is currently under the care of a spinal nurse 24 hours a day in high dependency at Royal North Shore Hospital.
The Crescent Head Country Club has started a fundraiser for the Cook family that will run throughout the year to support Hamish in his recovery.
Secretary Manager of the Crescent Head Country Club, Colan Ryan, said the community and the club wanted to do something to help the family.
"The Crescent Head community is tight-knit and we have always helped others when they're in need," he said.
"The club is carrying out the wishes of the community to support the Cook family.
"Justin and Michelle's wish is to give Hamish the best life he can have, and we're just trying to help them with that wish."
The club started the fundraising efforts by donating $10,000 to the Cook family and are currently accepting donations from the community.
"Because we aren't able to have one big fundraiser due to COVID-19, we're going to hold smaller fundraising events throughout the year so there will also be more continuous support for the family.
"Hamish's situation is a marathon, not a sprint and we want to make sure the family continue to get the support they need," Colan said.
"There will be multiple events that people can get involved in to help out. We've already raised over $20,000 from community donations to the club and through the Go Fund Me account. Businesses are also donating auction items and gift vouchers.
"Justin and Michelle are focusing on Hamish right now and we want to relieve the financial pressure and help in any way that we can."
Hamish has previously played for the Cannonballs and the Mustangs while working two part-time jobs at Bumpa's Bistro at the Crescent Head Country Club and at The Rocks Fishing Charters. Hamish was also due to attend Year 12 at St Paul's College in 2021.
Locals can donate to the fundraiser by depositing funds to:
Crescent Head Country Club Fundraiser
BSB: 062 592
Account number: 10800113
Donations can also be made at the Crescent Head Country Club reception or by placing monies in specifically marked collection boxes.
If you're a local business and would like to donate auction items or contribute to the fundraiser, contact Colan Ryan on 6566 0268 or Crescent Head Country Club Events Coordinator Sharna Lacey on 0427 918 275.
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