Crowdfunding helps Cole’s hospital bill

INDEPENDENT candidate and environmental activist Damien Cole has thanked the community for their generous support towards his hospital bill after he suffered a head injury while on a surfing holiday in Bali.

According to the GoFundMe page set up by Anna Marte, Mr Cole was having his last surf before returning to Australia when his board hit his head, breaking his skull and exposing his eyebrow bone.

“Those who know Damien know that he is one of the most humble and caring people around. He never asks for anything and solely gives – to his friends, family and environment,” Ms Marte said.

“This trip he had planned to just head to Vietnam and refuel after a year of fighting for the Bight and running election campaigns with the sole goal to protect the environment. He decided to spend one week in Bali to do what he loves – surfing.

“He has always had insurance but this time around because he hadn’t planned to go to Bali, he forgot – a mistake many people can relate to.

“So now Damien is looking at a hospital bill that might well exceed $20,000AUD and now it is time we reach out to help this guy that always helps others.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page had raised $22,286 from 406 donations in the space of six days.

In an update posted on Monday, Ms Marte wrote that Mr Cole was released from hospital on Sunday.

“At this moment he is not fit to fly yet. Next Tuesday he might get his stitches out and probably by the end of next week he will be good to go and come back home.

“Out of the bottom of his heart, he thanks all of you who donated.

“Small or big, each and every donation is so entirely welcomed and he thanks you so much for your help, and support to heal up and not worry about the financial burden that was hanging above him.”