A brutal bashing in Wyndham Vale last month has triggered a fundraising campaign that encapsulates Wyndham’s strong community spirit.
Josh Lim, 23, and an 18-year-old were set upon by six men allegedly wielding weapons on the night of February 18 as they raced to the aid of a female teenager being harassed by the group.
While the other person escaped with only minor injuries, Josh remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Werribee Crime Investigation Unit has confirmed that seven men have been interviewed in relation to the assault and that police investigations are continuing.
Point Cook resident Elizabeth Burns was touched by Josh’s story, so she launched a campaign to raise money for his family.
She said she had no connection with him or his family but could imagine the struggles they were facing.
JOSH LIM (SUPPLIED)
“It was playing on my mind the day after the attack,” Ms Burns said. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something to help his family, but I don’t know what’.”
She said the financial struggle that came with her own health battles helped her decide. “I struggled financially when I was going through chemotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma,” she said.
“The bills don’t stop.
“If we can raise some money to lift the financial burden so the family can spend as much time as possible with Josh, that’s one less thing they have to worry about.
“The funds will help with medical bills, rehab – hoping he gets to that point – and any changes that need to be made to the family home.”
The campaign hopes to raise to $10,000. As of yesterday it had raised almost $3000.
“I ask that the community put themselves in the shoes of Josh’s parents,” Ms Burns said.
“We need to try and help them spend as much time with their son as they can.
“Right now, they just don’t know what’s going to happen – whether he’s going to make it or not.”
Ms Burns said the family of the teenager targeted in the attack had gone into hiding.
“They’re petrified – they’ve gone into hiding and they’re never coming back,” Ms Burns said.
Click here to donate to the Lim family.
