Desperate parents who sent a plea out on social media to get them to their critically ill son’s bedside in Australia will be flying there shortly.
Danny Hodgson, who was a youth player with Carlisle United, is in hospital in Perth after an alleged attack on Saturday left him with severe head injuries.
He has undergone a four-hour operation and is now in an induced coma, which could last for weeks or months.
His mum Nicola made a desperate plea on Facebook as her and her husband Peter were struggling to find flights to Australia to be by their son’s bedside.
Flights are hard to come by due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In an update, less than 24 hours before she shared the post, she said: “It’s incredible that in 24 hours we have been able to achieve the impossible.”
I cannot thank everyone enough who has been involved. Our prayers have been answered and we have confirmed flights to Australia.
“Danny still has a long journey ahead of him but the fact that me and Peter will be by his side through it gives us enormous comfort.
“It’s the most emotional experience I’ve ever had. One act of violence has spurred thousands of acts of kindness and for that we will be eternally grateful.”
Meanwhile, one of Danny’s friends has set up an $100,000 online appeal for him – and raised a staggering $101,000 in a day.
The cash will used to give Danny and his family short- and long-term financial support.
The page says: “The funds will go towards paying for his mortgage and other bills and to also allow his girlfriend to not worry about work during this time, Danny will need all the support he can.”
Nicola said: “Danny’s amazing friends in Australia have been brilliant and his good friend Steve has kindly set up a GoFundMe page, which again we are eternally thankful for!
“Many of you have offered to support us already so if you would like to do so, the link is below. This money will go directly to Danny and supporting every element of his recovery.”
Danny has played as a striker at a good level in both England and in Australia.
In Cumbria he played for Windscale and Cleator Moor Celtic football clubs as a youngster before moving to Carlisle in his teens to play for Carlisle United and also played as an international.
Danny moved to Australia when he was 18 to play football.
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Read more here: Parents’ plea for help after son in coma in Australia.
