Hundreds of people touched by the heroism of Austin Appelbee, the 13-year-old West Australian who made news around the world for swimming 4km through rough sea to save his stranded family, have donated to a fundraiser to say “thank you”.
The exhausted teenager raised the alarm last Friday that his mum Joanne and siblings Beau, 12, and Grace, eight, were clinging to paddle boards in wild ocean off Geographe Bay after a punishing four-hour physical feat in the water followed by a 2km run to get to his mum’s phone.
After more than nine hours in the ocean, Joanne, Beau and Grace were rescued about 8.40pm in a multi-agency mission involving the Water Police Coordination Centre in North Fremantle, South West Police, local marine rescue groups and the RAC Rescue helicopter.
In the wake of the ordeal, Austin has been feted nationally and globally for his incredible bravery, with thousands praising his selfless efforts to save the lives of his mum, brother and sister.
On Wednesday, a GoFundMe was opened by Tasmanian James Bennett, who originally listed the fundraiser’s goal amount as $7500 — it has already grown to $40,000 as pledges flood in.
The goal, which may have been adjusted automatically based on the organiser’s settings, continually shifted upwards and by the end of Wednesday was $12,000.
It was then adjusted twice on Thursday, first to $22,000 then to $40,000.
At noon on Friday, more than 800 people had donated over $30,700.
Mr Bennett’s connection to the family is not known. He has been contacted for clarification.
On the fundraiser’s page, Mr Bennett asked that donors “help say thank you to a true young Aussie hero”.
“At just 13 years old, Austin Appelbee showed courage well beyond his years,” he wrote.,
“When his family became stranded at sea, Austin didn’t hesitate. He swam for hours through rough conditions to get help and bring rescuers back to his mum and siblings.
“His actions quite literally helped save his family.
“We’d love to raise a small amount so Austin can get himself something special to remember this moment by.
“A gesture from the community to recognise an extraordinary act by an ordinary Aussie kid who stepped up when it mattered most.”
