Fundraiser set up for young Irish man who lost an arm after horror crash in Australia

A GoFundMe page has been set up for an Irishman who was involved in a horrific crash in Australia which left him with life-changing injuries.

Ben Denning Galligan from Virginia, county Cavan, who is currently on a working holiday visa in Western Australia, was involved in the horror crash earlier this month which resulted in an arm amputation, spinal injuries and a traumatic brain injury.

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The 25-year-old is currently in a induced coma while his family have flown out to the remote region to be by his side. Donations have already reached an incredible €184,740 out of a €210,000 goal.

The message on the GoFundMe page reads,

"We are Ben's family and we are fundraising to help in his recovery

"On Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, our dear Ben Denning Galligan (25) from Cavan, Ireland, was involved in a serious road collision in a remote area of Western Australia.

"Ben, who is on a working holiday visa, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit. He has sustained life-changing injuries, including a right arm amputation, spinal injuries, and head trauma (traumatic brain injury) and is currently in an induced coma.

"His father Ollie, sister Joy, and their partners (Sophia & Johnny) have flown out from Ireland to be by his side for now. He also has a large network of friends and his girlfriend in Perth, all of whom are rallying around him with incredible love and strength.

"Ben, a construction worker, is a much loved member of both the Irish in Perth community and his home communities in Crosserlough and Virginia, Co. Cavan. He’s known for his hard work, resilience, and great sense of humour. Qualities that will be vital in the long road ahead.

"We are in close contact with the Claddagh Association, who are providing invaluable guidance and support during this difficult time. However, Ben faces a long and uncertain road to recovery, one that will likely take many months and involve specialist rehabilitation, prosthetic fitting, and ongoing medical and emotional care.

"The Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) will cover urgent medical care with some future support such as initial rehabilitation, but the extent of his needs are not known. Ben will likely need to remain in Australia for many months to receive the quality of care he needs.

"As his friends and family come together to support him, we are setting up this GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden that lies ahead. Funds raised will go directly towards:

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• Future medical care and rehabilitation not covered by the RHCA
• Urgent family travel and accommodation costs during his recovery in Australia as his condition changes
• Bens non medical costs as he will be without income for months or longer
• And any future care or adaptation needs as his recovery continues into his future
• Any remaining money would be donated to charitable organisations e.g. Claddagh Association, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Royal Perth ICU

"Ben’s journey will require immense strength and community support. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and help give him the best possible chance to rebuild his life after this devastating accident.

"We also want to say a huge thank you for the outpouring of support from everyone in Cavan, across Ireland, and all over Australia, from those who attended masses for Ben to those sending messages, prayers, and donations. Your kindness means more than words can say. The staff in the Royal Perth hospital are giving him great care and we thank them too.

"Please consider donating and sharing this page widely. Let’s rally together for Ben, to show him that no matter how far from home he is, he’s surrounded by love and support from his friends, family, and the Irish community across the world."

You can donate by clicking HERE

In an update on Tuesday, Ben's father Ollie posted a message to thank everyone for their donations while giving an update on Ben's current health situation,

"It has now been 2 weeks since Ben’s accident, and he continues to receive outstanding care from the incredible team at Royal Perth Hospital. He has undergone multiple surgeries on his arm and is being treated for spinal injuries, for which he currently has a halo head brace in place to stabilise his neck and spine.

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"We’re very glad to share that Ben is making progress slowly but surely

"He is moving all of his limbs and responding to some commands, even while in his coma.

"Just two days ago, the doctors were able to remove his breathing tube for some time, and during that window Ben was awake, recognised people around him, and even asked a few questions.

"Because he is still very weak, he was placed back under sedation to allow his body more time to rest and heal.

"These are really encouraging signs, and his family and friends are feeling hopeful as he takes these small but important steps forward.

"We also want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated, sent messages, or kept Ben in their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring of support from Cavan, across Ireland, and all over Australia has been incredible, and it means the world to Ben’s loved ones as they stay by his side.

"Please keep Ben in your thoughts as he continues to fight and heal, one day at a time."