An Irishman was airlifted from a popular Sydney beach on Christmas Day after he experienced a life-threatening fall of 20ft and is now in intensive care.
Cathal Canavan, 24, from Claremorris, Co Mayo, was celebrating on December 25 with thousands of other Irish expats on Bronte Beach when the tragedy occurred. The young man was jumping off a cliff into the beach’s sea pool when he slipped and fell around 20ft onto concrete.
Police, fire and rescue and ambulance crews rushed to the beach where thousands of backpackers were celebrating Christmas. He was then transported to St Vincent’s Hospital by helicopter where he received a life-saving operation on Christmas Day.
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Mr Canavan is now in an induced coma and is recovering in the hospital’s intensive care unit. His aunt Audrey Guiney told the Irish Mirror that it is every parent’s worst nightmare to receive such a call when their child is on the other side of the world.
She said: “It’s desperate at the moment and the fact they got a call on Christmas day from the hospital in Sydney, their whole world has been turned around. They have him in a medically induced coma at the moment with brain damage but they don’t know the extent of the brain damage.”
Cathal Canavan sustained severe brain trauma injuries whilst celebrating Christmas Day on Bronte Beach
(Image: No credit)
His family has set up an online fundraiser on iDonate.ie and over €80,000 has been raised. The money will be used for Mr Canavan’s medical care, rehabilitation and cost for his parents Shane and Josie and his brother Kieran to be by his side in Australia.
Ms Guiney said the family will likely need to be in Sydney for six to 12 months while the young man receives life-saving care. She added: “They had to operate to save his life on Christmas Day but they think he’s out of danger now.”
“It’s just a case of assessing the brain injury when he comes too. It’s a long waiting game. It’s horrific for Shane and Josie over there.” The 24-year-old was working as a plumber in Sydney and was “having the time of his life” in the city.
He had moved Down Under in October last year and has been described by his friends and family as “an extremely kind-hearted individual”. A post on the iDonate page reads: “Although a challenging and long road lies ahead, we are hopeful for his full recovery.”
“As those who know him well would tell you, Cathal is an extremely kind-hearted individual. Fiercely loyal, he protects those close to him, and you know that he is always in your corner whenever you need.”
“He is hardworking in his trade as a plumber and his mischievous laugh and smile are infectious.”
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