Search

Bondi stabbing survivor recalls terrifying ordeal

Stabbing survivor Liya Barko has recalled the moment she came face-to-face with Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield, while also sharing how she is still physically and mentally recovering from the incident. The 35-year-old student and cleaner from Ukraine was one of hundreds of shoppers in Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13th, as she entered the shopping centre to purchase a volleyball. In the middle of her errand, she ran into Joel Cauchi during his stabbing rampage. “I think he just looked at me and he decided in that moment, and then I looked at my hands and I was bleeding,‘ Ms Barko said to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-junction-stabbing-survivor-recalls-april-13-attack/8ce9d1f2-727a-4767-a23f-886e4e22be84" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. Cauchi reportedly spoke to Ms Barko after attacking her, with Ms Barko alleging he said “catch you” before continuing his rampage through the centre. Another shopper ran to help Ms Barko following her attack: a man in a green shirt who she is still trying to find and express her thanks. The man dragged Ms Barko to safety inside a store and stemmed the blood flow from her stab wound. "When you are on the floor, you’re bleeding, you can see everyone’s expression and some of them were crying, they were scared … for their lives also,” she said. “I would like to see him again, to at least give him a hug, because I don’t know how we would have managed without him in that moment.” The next thing Ms Barko remembers after being stabbed is waking up in the hospital and seeing the friendly face of her doctor, whose positivity kept her going in difficult times of her healing process. “I just remember (he had a) just so, so open smile and happy face,” she said. “He was so happy, I have never seen someone really so happy." “I thought okay, if I die right now, I’ll just destroy his shift. So I can’t die right now because he’s just so happy.” Like many who were affected by the stabbing, Ms Barko, who has been unable to return to work since the stabbing, still has so many unanswered questions about that fateful day. “My question is how it happened? Why a schizophrenic man was there outside with a knife making a normal Saturday afternoon, he just turn it into hell?” Up to eighteen people were stabbed at Bondi Westfield, with five dead on-site and one woman dying later in hospital. Those killed were Faraz Tahir, 30, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Dachria, 55 and Yixuan Cheng, 27. Image credits: Nine / Facebook

Caring

Cancer survivor slapped with $15,000 water bill

An Aussie man has been slapped with a $15,645.86 water bill after the Goulburn Mulwaree Council claimed he had used more than 35,000 litres a day over 104 days. Anthony, who lives on his own in the Southern Tablelands, said that his bill is normally around $290 and that he uses about 130 litres of water a day, the average amount a person would use according to Sydney Water. "A 15-and-a-half thousand dollar water bill, they can go and get themselves nicked," he told A Current Affair. "I'm not paying it, no way in the world." The local mechanic is a cancer survivor, but the disease has made it difficult for him to communicate, so he went to a council meeting with his father, Neil, who talked on his behalf. "I couldn't believe it when he showed me the bill," Neil said. "Currently now, we're at this point in stage where we can't get any reasonable common sense from the council. "I said, 'It's got to be the crook meter', and she said, 'We've had a lot of meters tested and they've all come back positive. "And I said, 'What about this meter?' and she said, 'It'll cost you $50 to have it tested but there'll be nothing wrong with it'." Anthony is accused of using more than 3.6million litres of water, which is equivalent to filling two Olympic sized swimming pools - or having five taps running all-day. He has received multiple emails from the local council asking him to prove his claim. The local mechanic also said that he received an overdue bill notice ordering him to pay it immediately. "I got an email saying I can have a payment plan and all the rest of it... like, get real," he said. "I'm not going to pay it." Anthony uses his own water tank to water his lawn, fill his fishpond and wash his car, and only uses town waters to wash up and shower. He has been asked to prepare a detailed letter of his water usage, which will be presented at a council meeting later this month. Image: Nine

Money & Banking

Deadly mushroom lunch survivor speaks out for the first time

The man who survived the deadly mushroom lunch in Victoria last year has spoken out for the first time, sharing what has kept him going through the tragedy. Pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, was hospitalised for ingesting the poison, which claimed the lives of his wife Heather, his brother Don and his sister-in-law Gail, after attending lunch at Erin Patterson's home on July 29th 2023. Ms Patterson has since been charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder after inviting her ex-husband’s family over to her home for lunch and allegedly serving them the poisoned dish. Six months on, Ian Wilkinson addressed his congregation as he returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church on Sunday for the first time since the alleged poisoning, saying it had been a “big week” full of milestones for him. “At the start of the week it was six months since Heather, Gail and Don went to be with the Lord …” he told the congregation. “Friday was my birthday and yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary." “So it’s been a pretty big week but I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me.” The week prior marked 25 years since he first took on the role of pastor of the Korumburra parish, with the parishioners offering him a small gift following the sermon. Mr Wilkinson seemed overcome with emotion during parts his sermon, sharing with the congregation that he was grateful to be back after a terrifying two-month stint in the hospital while he fought for his life after the poisoning. “The ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us,” he said. “He promised to never leave … and I can say, that is true.” Image credits: Supplied

Caring

Cancer survivor becomes world's strongest great-grandmother

An Australian great-grandmother has become a world-record holder for an impressive feat in the gym. Heather Maddern, 80, found a new love of weightlifting after she decided to hit the gym to regain strength after beating cancer three times. Now, she is officially the world's strongest great-grandmother. "I hold the Australian and world record for an 80-year-old lady. It's amazing," she told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/great-grandmother-strongest-powerlifting-world-records/ffe9aa0e-9fc9-40b5-b8ff-d8744b37de0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "I just absolutely love the life I am living and I put it all down to powerlifting." Maddern, who suffers from Parkinsons, lifted the record-breaking 80kgs in Brisbane at a powerlifting competition, saying she is "absolutely chuffed" to break the world record for her age group. Reflecting on the moment she broke the record, Maddern said, "I just put it [the bar] down and went through the crowd with a big smile on my face, I was absolutely chuffed." Before the great-grandmother discovered her love for lifting weights, she was barely able to walk up and down stairs due to extensive chemotherapy and radiation to treat her cancer, and decided to make a change. "I was very weak, my posture wasn't very good. I was extremely tired. I knew I had to do something to change it, otherwise it would keep getting worse and worse," she said. Her coach, Jill Cox, said, "We had to help Heather walk down the stairs to get into the gym. She is inspirational. what she can do, anybody can do." Heather's life has changed drastically since she regularly started going to the gym, and despite being 80 years old, she has never felt better. "My son six months ago thought I was totally crazy, now they are all so very proud of me," she said. "I just feel so fit. Mentally I feel clearer headed and happy all of the time." Image credits: A Current Affair

Body

"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Ian Wilkinson, the survivor of a suspected mushroom poisoning incident, has been discharged from Melbourne's Austin Hospital after spending two months in critical condition following a family gathering. Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor residing in the quaint South Gippsland town of Korrumburra, was among four individuals who fell seriously ill after consuming a beef Wellington dish suspected to have been contaminated with death cap mushrooms. Tragically, Wilkinson's wife, Heather, lost her life in the aftermath, as did Heather's sister, Gail Patterson, and her husband, Don. Ian managed to pull through, and his release from the hospital marked a significant milestone in his recovery. The Wilkinson family expressed their profound gratitude towards the hospital staff for their relentless dedication and exceptional care during this challenging period. "We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery and was released from Austin Hospital on Friday," the family said in a statement. "This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family. "The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian's recovery. "The medical team's expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey. "Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family, and colleagues. "This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community. "As Ian continues his journey towards full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected." Meanwhile, the woman responsible for preparing the ill-fated meal, Erin Patterson, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/details-of-erin-patterson-s-police-statement-around-fatal-mushroom-meal-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains a suspect</a> as police homicide detectives continue their investigation into the three tragic deaths. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Image: Facebook

Caring

Diving deeper into generosity: Cave diver's charitable gift shines a light on giving back

Josh lives in Adelaide and is an avid cave diver, loves writing funny books about science, and spends a lot of time reading and studying online. He recently chose to include a gift to Lifeline Australia when writing his Will online with Safewill. “It was an incredibly easy decision to make,” says Josh. “As soon as I saw it was possible to allocate a portion of my estate as a charitable donation, I thought it was a perfect idea, and when Lifeline popped up as a recommended charity, I remembered the times when friends and family had so desperately needed their support - it was as easy as clicking the Lifeline logo.” For a lot of people, writing a Will can feel confronting and daunting. Josh explains how he approached it. “I had been putting off doing my Will for a while now and had brought home Will packs previously thinking I'd get to it eventually. COVID-19 triggered fear in many people around me, and I've had several close calls with diving accidents over the last few years, so I figured it was long overdue. It turned out to be much easier than expected - I already had a sense of what I wanted to happen when I pass away, so filling it out online concisely made the whole process remarkably quick and painless. “For me, a Will is less about enforcing my wishes and more about making things easier for the folks I leave behind. Instead of having loved ones wonder or argue over what I would have wanted, I've laid it all down in clear terms. They might still disagree with different elements of my Will when it's executed, but the important thing is that I don't cause additional grief by leaving ambiguous directions.” Josh was previously unaware that he could leave gifts to charity in his Will. “I certainly didn't think it was an option,” he says. “Until Safewill asked if I wanted to allocate a portion of my estate to charity, I'd never really given it much thought and figured I'd never have enough to make it worth mentioning. I knew how much donations are appreciated, I'd just never connected the dots to realise that what I leave behind could also go towards helping organisations I value.” Josh shares what he’d say if someone was considering leaving a gift to Lifeline in their Will. “They’ll be helping a much wider range of people than if they simply gave everything to their partner or family. As important as our loved ones are, we're ultimately all on the same team when it comes to humanity, so why not support those in need regardless of if you know them or not?” By leaving a gift in his Will to Lifeline, Josh wants to help create a world for people who might be struggling where they can get the support they need when they need it. “We all struggle in different ways, but for many just getting up and surviving the day can be the hardest part. We're incredibly lucky to have an organisation like Lifeline that is there for anyone to reach out to and get support whenever they need it.” Lifeline Australia is a national charity providing people in Australia experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline exists to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Lifeline has partnered with Safewill to offer you the opportunity to <a href="https://safewill.com//lifelineaus?utm_content=ptnr&utm_source=over60&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_campaign=lifelineaus_sep_2023_iac_week_over60_newsletter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">write your Will online for free this Include a Charity Week</a>, which runs from the 4th – 10th September and is dedicated to raising awareness of how anyone can make a lasting impact to causes that they care about through a gift in their Will. Your Will will be reviewed by their affiliate law firm, Safewill Legal, to ensure it has been filled out correctly, and comes with a year of free and unlimited updates. While making a Will online may not be for everyone, particularly those with complex estates, thousands more Australians have been able to write a Will within the comfort of their own home in just 20 minutes. Safewill's online Will-writing service allows you to appoint guardians for your children, set out how you want to divide your estate and leave gifts to charities that mean the most to you - like Lifeline. After you've provided for those closest to you, leaving a gift to Lifeline is a lasting and meaningful way that you can have an impact for years to come. Even 1% of your estate can help save lives and prevent suicides in future generations. If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lifeline Australia’s Gifts in Wills Specialist Abi Steiner via email at <a href="mailto:GiftsInWills@lifeline.org.au">GiftsInWills@lifeline.org.au</a> or phone on 1800 800 768. Images: Supplied. This is a sponsored article written in partnership with Lifeline Australia.

Caring

Update from survivor of deadly mushroom meal

The lone survivor of a group of four individuals who consumed a meal containing suspected poisonous mushrooms has received an update from the family. The Victorian community continues to extend their support during this time. Tragedy struck as Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, lost their lives after partaking in a lunch gathering at the residence of Erin Patterson, Don and Gail's former daughter-in-law. The incident occurred in Leongatha, located in the southeastern region of Victoria, on July 29. Erin Patterson had prepared a meal for the group, which also included Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, a pastor at a Baptist church. The attendees fell seriously ill after the meal, exhibiting symptoms that aligned with the ingestion of toxic death cap mushrooms, according to the police. On a recent Sunday evening, Ian Wilkinson's family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Austin Hospital for their consistent care and support. They also acknowledged the numerous cards and letters received from concerned individuals in the public. The family shared: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness, prayers, and support from friends, family, and the broader community.” “Your thoughts and well-wishes have been a source of strength and comfort to us all. “As we navigate this difficult journey, we kindly request that our privacy be respected. We need space to grieve, support one another, and care for Ian without public intrusion.” While Ian Wilkinson, aged 70, remains in critical but stable condition at a hospital in the northeastern part of Melbourne, reports indicate that members of the South Gippsland community are willing to step forward as organ donors. Local councillor Jenni Keerie stated that people have been reaching out to her to inquire about becoming donors. Nathan Hersey, the Mayor of South Gippsland Shire, noted that the community has been discussing the significance of organ donation. In the absence of a community donor, Wilkinson might face a wait of up to a year for a new liver. It is worth noting that the majority of organ recipients in Australia experience waiting periods of at least nine months while searching for a suitable match. Images: Facebook / A Current Affair EDITOR'S NOTE: We received a number of comments in response to this article concerning organ donation. This one from a Reader really deserved being appended to the article: "I am a forever grateful liver recipient whose life was miraculously saved when all had gone catastrophically wrong. <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/</a> The only way we can increase organ donation is to increase next of kin consent rates. In Australia every person who passes under the right circumstances is a potential donor. Whether they are registered or not their family will be asked to consider organ donation and must give their consent for donation to proceed. Sadly 46% of families say no. In Victoria it is closer to 50%. Families are critical for organ donation and for a deceased donor to be found to support the victim of the Victorian poisoning, another healthy Victorian will need to pass tragically and on life support. Waiting for a donor is not like waiting for a spare part for your car from the factory. It is more like finding the perfect part at a car wreckers after someone has written of their car but the part you need is still ok. You can help raise awareness by helping to get families having the conversation about organ donation before tragedy strikes. Not waiting until they learn their loved one is never coming home." – Robert Manning, Forever grateful recipient and passionate Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant Awareness Advocate. Founder and Senior Advocate <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.TransplantAdvocacy.com</a>

Caring

“I really thought it was the end”: Death cap mushroom survivor breaks silence

The man who survived the poisoning effects of eating a death cap mushroom has spoken out, after consuming the deadly ingredients in a dish of spaghetti bolognese prepared by his wife. The same toxic mushroom is now linked to a suspected poisoning in Victoria that has claimed the lives of three people. The shocking incident occurred in 1998, when Simon Claringbold was a robust and athletic 39-year-old, who had an active lifestyle and regularly ran marathons. Mr Claringbold told ABC’s 7.30 program that he picked the mushrooms in his backyard in Canberra earlier in the day, thinking they were field mushrooms, before discovering they were actually death caps. His wife then cooked them into a spaghetti bolognese, and just 18 hours after eating the contaminated meal, his health took a turn for the worst. Mr Claringbold was rushed to hospital after he became violently ill and started rapidly deteriorating, triggering an arduous battle for his life. The toxic mushrooms Mr Claringbold ingested are understood to be the same variety in the recent poisoning, however, Mr Claringbold’s survival from the ordeal is believed to be sheer luck. Medical experts have explained that death cap mushrooms can vary significantly in their toxicity, making it a game of chance for those who inadvertently ingest them. “Their toxin levels aren’t going to be consistent; it’s not like taking a pill out of a bottle,” Mr Claringbold emphasised to 7.30, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the poison. After presenting to the hospital with intense vomiting and diarrhoea, Mr Claringbold gave the hospital a sample of the mushroom to healthcare professionals, who tested the toxin. His health continued to spiral as he encountered hallucinations, moments of blackout and major stress on his liver. “I was preparing for the end, I really thought it was the end. The lights were starting to go out,” he recounted. Remarkably, Mr Claringbold defied the odds, emerging from the ordeal after an 11-day hospitalisation. Mr Claringbold’s story has come in the wake of the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-details-emerge-in-fatal-mushroom-poisoning-incident">death of his parents</a>, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister-in-law Heather Wilkinson, who died after ingesting the same variety of mushroom. Erin Patterson, the 48-year-old ex-wife of Simon Claringbold, allegedly prepared the meal, and had reportedly invited the family over for lunch to negotiate a reconciliation. Image credits: ABC - 7.30

Caring

"I stand here with you as a survivor": Delta Goodrem's emotional tribute

Delta Goodrem recently looked back on the 20th anniversary of the day she received a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma at the tender age of just 18. In a touching Instagram post, she revisited photographs and videos from that period, recalling the memories as vividly as if they had happened just yesterday. The songstress reminisced about the time when she was on the verge of making her international debut, only to be confronted with the life-altering news. At the time of her diagnosis, her debut album "Innocent Eyes" had reached the number one spot on the ARIA charts and was steadily climbing the charts in Europe. However, her dreams of global success were abruptly interrupted by the revelation that she had Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that affects the immune system. "July 8, 2003. I remember that day so clearly and all the mixed emotions that came with the news of being diagnosed with cancer while my album had been sitting at #1 for three months prior, and the third single hit #1 the same day," she wrote in her Instagram caption. "I was meant to be going over to Europe where my album had just debuted at #2 and #1 in all different countries that week to start international promo. One split second and all the plans had changed. That's life." Instead of embarking on her planned promotional tour in Europe, Goodrem swiftly underwent treatment for her cancer. However, she has no regrets about the turn of events, believing that everything happens for a reason. "There is meaning and beauty in facing these challenges from a different viewpoint. There must be a reason this is happening – How can I come out better? What is the lesson?" she expressed. Fortunately, in December 2003, Goodrem announced that her Hodgkin's lymphoma had gone into remission. Now, she views this as a "beautiful full circle moment" and the beginning of a "brand new chapter." "As I type this in London, I am working on the @deltagoodremfoundation's first-ever Gala event," she continued in her post. "I was working on new music and shows all day yesterday. Today, we're throwing a new music party. Being back here after 20 years, on the same date, has been one of the most incredible and meaningful experiences." While "honouring the journey" that led her to this point, Goodrem emphasises that it is the next steps that truly matter. "For those in the fight you are never alone and I stand here with you as a survivor xx.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CubqroeIv0w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CubqroeIv0w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Delta Goodrem AM (@deltagoodrem)</a> </div> </blockquote> Images: Instagram

Caring

23-year-old bravely dies on her own terms

A terminally ill young woman from Adelaide has ended her life under the state’s voluntary assisted dying laws. In a funeral notice published in the Adelaide Advertiser, the family of Lily Thai said she died at the Flinders Medical Centre on June 21. “Much loved daughter of Kate and Le. Beloved granddaughter, niece and cousin. Treasured friend to many,” the family wrote. The family have shared that her funeral will be held at Centennial Park Cemetery on June 29. She made the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/23-year-old-reveals-why-she-s-chosen-to-end-her-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heartbreaking decision</a> to take her own life after countless surgeries failed to improve her illness. Thai suffered from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – a genetic condition that left her completely bedridden and in constant pain. Her powerful story touched thousands nationwide before she passed away. Thai had long wished to take her own life with dignity after a battle with such a debilitating condition. “I decided that pain was so severe it wasn’t worth it, and I just wanted to take it into my own hands,” Thai told the Adelaide Advertiser. After her painful health battle, she spent her last days at the Flinders Medical Centre, where she said she mainly slept while in “excruciating pain” Thai had recently signed the paperwork to use South Australia’s voluntary assisted dying laws, which came into effect in January 2023, to end her life after being administered an IV medication. Image credit: The Advertiser / TikTok

Caring

23-year-old reveals why she's chosen to end her life

23-year-old Lily Thai has made the crippling decision to end her life. The Adelaide native, who suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), will use recently passed voluntary assisted dying laws after signing the final paperwork a week prior. In January 2023, South Australia legalised assisted dying with the government funnelling in $18 million over the next five years to support safe access to the service. “I realised that I can’t have any more anaesthesia, so I (couldn’t) have any more feeding tube changes (or) surgeries,” Thai told The Advertiser. EDS is a debilitating genetic condition which has left the 23-year-old completely bedridden and in constant pain. It affects her joints, skin and walls of the blood vessels so severely she is reliant on her father as a caregiver to do everything for her, “even the most intimate things”. Doctors will administer an IV medication that will terminate the young woman’s life within 10 seconds. “I’ll no longer have any pain, I will no longer suffer with any of these issues, and I’ll finally be free of all the suffering that I have endured for so many years.” Thai had initially thought her health deterioration was caused by a spinal fluid leak, but after undergoing treatment to fix it, her condition did not improve and doctors couldn’t give her a definitive diagnosis. As a desperate last measure, she travelled to Sydney to meet a surgeon who “specialised in spinal issues (for) patients with EDS” when she was 21. She was then confined to a halo brace and required a nasal feeding tube as she "couldn’t keep anything down,” and weighed just 40kg. In May 2021, Thai had spinal fusion surgery and just a week later was fitted with a gastro Jejenul feeding tube to vent out stomach acid and secretion. Through her rehab period, hospitals were under strict Covid-19 protocols, so Thai suffered alone without any visitors. “I couldn’t stand not seeing my dad, so I got discharged early,” she said. She was later diagnosed with auto-immune autonomic ganglionopathy — a rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system. “The neurologist said that I was in multi-organ failure, but it wasn’t until I had a severe decline after one of my surgeries, (and) when I saw my rehab doctor they found a large lesion of the left side of my brain,” she said. “He suspected I had a type of motor neurone disease.” Thai has spent the past two years at Flinders Medical Centre’s Laurel Hospice, where she shared that most of her days are filled with sleep to avoid being in “excruciating pain”. Healthcare staff there granted one of her final wishes, which was to visit a beach, and so they took Thai in the back of an ambulance to the coastline. An image (at top) shows Lily resting on a bed, enjoying her Maccas fries and looking out at the golden sand and blue water in front of her. While at the hospice, Thai also formed a strong bond with another young woman, Annaliese Holland, who was also suffering a terminal illness at the hospice. The pair say young people with a terminal illness often mourn the “life (they) never got to have.” “For elderly or older people, (they) have memories to look back on to laugh about and cry about,” Holland said. “But for a young person in palliative hospice, you haven’t formed many of them.” “You never do the normal things like going to your high school graduation,” Thai said. “What makes me sad is that … you just want to push on, but at the same time it’s really hard because you know you won’t have babies or any of that,” Holland said. Holland has vowed to do everything in her power to make Thai’s last days in hospice more bearable. “All I can do is brush her (Lily’s) hair or moisturise her legs. I just want her to know that I’m there and people care,” a tearful Holland said. Thai has been able to plan parts of her own funeral and has been busy saying goodbye to family and friends. As part of her legacy, she’s inviting donations for palliative research to The Hospital Research Foundation on her memorial card to be given to funeral attendees. Image credit: Facebook

Caring

"Stop putting things off”: Turia Pitt warns followers after recent health scare

Inspirational burns survivor Turia Pitt has opened up about a health scare she faced in June 2023, confessing she has struggled with her ailment for “years”. Giving her one million Instagram followers some insight, Pitt revealed that she had a “weird growth” on her tongue for several years that she never asked a doctor about. “I used to have this really weird growth on my tongue that I recently got cut out,” she said. The public figure warned followers to “stop putting things off” as she did before, noting, “The hardest part of any task is….starting. Like, starting the process of getting my tongue looked at,” “I had this little bump on it for years…and I put off getting it looked at for far too long.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtYt1F-RNoi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtYt1F-RNoi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Turia (@turiapitt)</a> </div> </blockquote> While the surgery to remove the growth was presumably successful, it’s not the first time Pitt has been hospitalised due to poor health, with a freak accident involving a sewing needle that left her in “unbearable” pain in May 2022. She shared the story to her Instagram, revealing to fans she had stepped on the needle. “Once I’d recovered from the initial shock and pain (and had finished rolling around on the bed like a marinated pork chop, swearing loudly), I scoured the floor, searching for the culprit,” she wrote at the time. “There it was, sticking out of the carpet, like a soldier about to go into battle. ‘You absolute pr*ck;’ I said to it, casting my eye balefully over its dismembered body. All but a third remained.” Despite having two-thirds of the needle stuck in her foot, Pitt waited a full day before going to the hospital. "I was half expecting them to say 'You silly sausage, it’s just a bruise'," she wrote. "But instead they said, 'Wow, it’s really deep’." Lodged deeply into her foot, the needle was also resting on a nerve among her bones forcing her to undergo surgery. "I had an operation to remove the needle and woke up feeling like my foot was on fire,” she wrote on her blog. "But each hour that passed after that, I got better and better. I needed less pain medication because I was getting better, my head fog cleared, and I was no longer thinking about the pain." Image credit: Instagram

Caring

‘Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living’: a (condensed) history of soup, from cave to can

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/garritt-c-van-dyk-1014186">Garritt C Van Dyk</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> Hot soup on a cold day brings warmth and comfort so simple that we don’t think too much about its origins. But its long history runs from the Stone Age and antiquity through to modernity, encompassing the birth of the restaurant, advances in chemistry, and a famous pop art icon. The basic nature of soup has a fundamental appeal that feels primordial – because it is. <a href="https://www.academia.edu/12384834/2015_Speth_When_Did_Humans_Learn_to_Boil_">Archaeologists</a> speculate the first soup might have been made by Neanderthals, boiling animal bones to extract fat essential for their diet and drinking the broth. Without the fats, their high intake of lean animal meats could have led to protein poisoning, so stone age soup was an important complement to primeval nutrition. The fundamental benefit of these bone broths is confirmed by archaeological discoveries around the world, ranging from a gelatin broth in <a href="https://www.archaeology.org/issues/317-1811/trenches/7056-trenches-egypt-giza-livestock-bones">Egypt’s Giza plateau</a>, to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11981666">Shaanxi Province</a> in China. The widespread distribution of archaeological finds is a reminder soup not only has a long history, but is also a global food. Today, our idea of soup is more refined, but the classic combination of stock and bread is embedded in the Latin root of the verb suppāre, meaning “to soak”. As a noun, suppa became soupe in Old French, meaning bread soaked in broth, and <a href="https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/middle-english-dictionary/dictionary/MED41830/track?counter=1&search_id=24326280">sowpes</a> in Middle English. This pairing was also an economical way of reclaiming stale bread and thickening a thin broth. Wealthier households might have toasted fresh bread for the dish, but less prosperous diners used up stale bread that was too hard to chew unless softened in the hot liquid. <h2>From rustic to creamy</h2> New ideas about science and digestion in 17th century France promoted <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340977432_The_Transformative_Influence_of_La_Varenne's_Le_Cuisinier_Francois_1651_on_French_Culinary_Practice">natural flavours</a> and thick, rustic preparations gave way to the creamy and velvety smooth soups we know today. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527415/original/file-20230522-21-dcc0ot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="People line up for soup" /></a><figcaption>The Soup Kitchen, Antonio de Puga, ca. 1630. Museo de Arte de Ponce</figcaption></figure> New versions of the liquid food were developed by early modern European chefs, such as the <a href="https://archive.org/details/lenouveaucuisini01mass/page/138/mode/2up">seafood bisque</a>, extracting flavour from the shells of crustaceans. The first restaurant as we understand them today opened in Paris in 1765, and was immortalised for a <a href="https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k9785063s/f167.item.r=sante">simple broth</a>, a clear soup made from bone broth and fresh herbs. <a href="https://www.rebeccalspang.org/invention-of-the-restaurant">Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau</a>, the original French restaurateur, created a new type of public space where weary diners could regain their lost appetites and soothe their delicate nerves at all hours. It may appear to be a contradiction that the first restaurant specifically catered to clients who had lost their appetites, yet it seems perfectly natural soup was the cure. <h2>Easy and affordable</h2> Soup was not destined to be limited to fancy restaurants or the long simmering stock pots of peasants. Modern science made it convenient and less expensive for home cooks. In 1897, a chemist at the Campbell soup company, John Dorrance, developed a <a href="https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/about-us/our-story/campbell-history/">condensed canned soup</a> that dramatically reduced the water content. The new method halved the cost of shipping and made canned soup an affordable meal anyone could prepare. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=387&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527409/original/file-20230522-17-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=486&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Painting of men at a table" /></a><figcaption>Lunch (The Soup, Version II), Albin Egger-Lienz, 1910. Leopold Museum, Vienna</figcaption></figure> This revolutionary achievement was recognised at the 1900 Paris Exposition, winning an award for product excellence. Winning the prize was an achievement considering the competition at the world fair. The other technological advances exhibited at the turn of the century included the diesel engine, “talking” films, dry cell batteries and the Paris Metro. The bronze medallion from 1900 still appears on the iconic red and white label, made famous by pop artist Andy Warhol’s <a href="https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/andy-warhol-campbells-soup-cans-1962/">32 Campbell Soup Cans</a> (1962). In his work, Warhol appropriated images from consumer culture and the media ordinary people would instantly recognise, from Coca-Cola bottles to Marilyn Monroe. In his famous soup painting, 32 canvases – one for each flavour of soup – are lined up like cans on a supermarket shelf. Some <a href="https://warhol.netx.net/portals/warhol-exhibitions/#asset/108496">interpretations</a> consider this a commentary on the link between art and consumerism, emphasising the ordinary quality of the everyday object. The artist may also have been influenced by his personal eating habits – he claimed he had <a href="https://whitney.org/collection/works/5632">soup for lunch</a> every day for 20 years. <h2>‘One of the prime ingredients of good living’</h2> A steady diet of soup is not guaranteed to inspire famous art, but its appeal is universal. Soup can be humble or fancy, cutting across cultures and classes. Deceptively simple, the warmth and comfort of soup provide a temporary refuge from the winter chill, comforting the diner from the inside. The French chef Auguste Escoffier, famous for enshrining the five basic “<a href="https://www.escoffieronline.com/our-guide-to-escoffiers-5-mother-sauces/">mother sauces</a>” in French cuisine, raised soups to perfection in the early 20th century, developing refined preparations that remain classics today. Escoffier, <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Escoffier.html?id=JFIDd639wlQC&redir_esc=y">known as</a> “the king of chefs and the chef of kings”, had very <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/A_Guide_to_Modern_Cookery/KCbkcXHj7qoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=escoffier+guide+culinaire&printsec=frontcover">high standards</a> for soup, claiming “of all the items on the menu, soup is that which exacts the most delicate perfection”. An Austrian apprentice of Escoffier, Louis P. De Gouy, was chef at the Waldorf Astoria for 30 years and wrote 13 cookbooks. He summed up the appeal of soup in a <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Soup_Book/1tNmDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover">volume</a> dedicated to the dish with over 700 recipes: <blockquote> Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish. </blockquote> From Neanderthal broth to pop art icon, this humble pantry staple has a rich and vibrant history, giving us both nourishment and food for thought.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205656/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/garritt-c-van-dyk-1014186">Garritt C Van Dyk</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/good-soup-is-one-of-the-prime-ingredients-of-good-living-a-condensed-history-of-soup-from-cave-to-can-205656">original article</a>. Images: Getty

Food & Wine

“I didn’t want to come out!”: Spanish mountaineer emerges after 500 days underground

When Spanish mountaineer Beatriz Flamini descended into her cave - and home for the next 500 days - the world was an entirely different place. COVID-19 restrictions were still enforced, Queen Elizabeth II was still alive and on the throne, war hadn’t been declared in Ukraine, and Flamini herself was only 48. She entered the cave on November 20 2021, and while she was forced to surface for eight days while repairs were made to a router - one used for transmitting audio and video - she spent that brief period isolated in a tent. And then, a year and a half later, a 50-year-old Flamini emerged from 230 feet underground outside of Granada, Spain. And while most would be eager for some sunshine and some company after such a stint, Flamini had an entirely different take, informing everyone that she had actually been sound asleep when her team came to collect her. “I thought something had happened,” she said. “I said, ‘already? Surely not.’ I hadn’t finished my book.” And when it came to whether or not she’d struggled while down there, Flamini was quite to declare “never. In fact, I didn’t want to come out!” To keep herself occupied during the marathon stay, Flamini tried her hand at a whole host of popular pastimes, from knitting to exercising, painting, knitting, and reading. The effort paid off, the days flying by as the determined mountaineer successfully lost track of time. “On day 65, I stopped counting and lost perception of time,” she explained. “I didn’t talk to myself out loud, but I had internal conversations and got on very well with myself. “You have to remain conscious of your feelings. If you’re afraid, that’s something natural, but never let panic in, or you get paralysed.” Flamini was given a panic button in case of emergency, but she never felt the need to use it. And while her support team were on hand to give her clean clothing, provide essential food, and remove any waste that had accumulated, they were not to talk to her. “If it’s no communication it’s no communication, regardless of the circumstances,” Flamini said of that particular decision. “The people who know me knew and respected that.” As for what comes next, Flamini will now be studied by a team of experts - psychologists, researchers, and the like - to determine what impact the isolation of her extended time below might have had on her. Images: Getty, Sky News

Travel Trouble

“That’s why we call him Superman”: Sea World crash survivor speaks

<div> <div> <div> <div> <div> The little boy who nearly lost his life in the tragic Sea World helicopter crash has revealed an update on his journey to recovery two months after the incident occurred. Nicky Tadros shared the news after months in hospital, with doctors initially unsure if the 10-year-old would make it out alive. “My kidneys have woken up and I’m no more on a fluid restriction,” he said on Nine’s A Current Affair. “And my liver levels have gotten better and all my blood test results have come back really good.” Nicky was on one of the helicopters that collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast. His mother, Vanessa Tadros, was killed alongside British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson. The other helicopter managed to land on a sandbank. Nicky’s father, Simon Tadros, said he was incredibly proud of his “strong willed” son’s recovery effort. “The bravery he’s showing and he’s just pushing through every kind of hardship,” Mr Tadros said. “That’s why we call him Superman, because everything you put in front of him, he just pushes it out on the way.” Despite the effort to save Nicky’s life, doctors were unable to save his right leg, with the 10-year-old having to undergo a five-and-a-half-hour operation to amputate. “I was nervous at the beginning because I thought they get a chainsaw and chop it off from Bunnings Warehouse,” he said. Although the boy had endured countless surgeries with a long road to recovery ahead, he was grateful for the support he received. “I thank [Australia] for everything because I know that they’re always praying for me and caring for me and that’s the same with dad,” he said. “[Dad]’s always caring for me, since day one he’s never left my side no matter what. “When I’m sad when I’m happy when I’m angry, he’s there for me.” Mr Tadros has celebrated each milestone as his son works toward leaving hospital and returning to his normal life. Nicky also shared what he was most looking forward to once he leaves hospital. Image credit: A Current Affair </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

"Where's mum?" Sea World helicopter crash survivor's heart-breaking question

The husband of a mother who tragically died in the Sea World helicopter crash has shared the heart-breaking question his son Nicholas asked him when he awoke from his coma. Vanessa Tadros and her 10-year-old son were on the aircraft when it collided with another on January 2nd, as the crash claimed the life of Vanessa and three others. Nicholas miraculously survived the accident, and has spent the last seven weeks in intensive care recovering from life-altering injuries. After being in an induced coma, Nicholas awoke and asked his father Simon a question he had been dreading. “He said, ‘Where’s mum?’” Simon told Ally Langdon during an emotional interview on <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/ally-langdon-speaks-about-her-emotional-interview-with-father-simon-tadros-about-sea-world-chopper-crash/af847866-bb2f-42be-8a15-d20d06a0c685">A Current Affair</a>. “I said she was in the crash with you.” “He said, ‘Yeah, I know, but where’s mum?’ I said, ‘Baby boy, mum had to go to Jesus.’” “And he just turned his head and closed his eyes,” bringing Ally Langdon to tears. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HelpingNicky?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HelpingNicky</a>: A heartbroken father recalls the final moments before his wife was killed and son was critically injured in the Gold Coast helicopter crash. See the full story, TONIGHT on A Current Affair.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a> | Watch LIVE 7pm <a href="https://t.co/cH1TElSUnM">pic.twitter.com/cH1TElSUnM</a> — A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1627570052957605889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote> Nicholas suffered extensive injuries in the crash breaking multiple bones, his kidneys are still not functioning unaided and his lungs collapsed from inhaling jet fuel. Doctors expect he will need to remain in hospital for at least another five months after deciding he will need to have his right foot amputated. “He said I’m not going to give up, Dad. I’m not going to leave you alone,” Simon recalled. “He’s a strong-willed boy. He’s a good kid.” Simon also recalled the final conversation he had with his wife before she boarded the helicopter with Nicholas. “I remember saying to my wife, I was thinking it’s amazing how quick they turn over these helicopters,” he said. “My wife just turned around to me and said, “Babe, I’m sure they know what they’re doing””. Simon shared that he hasn’t been able to properly grieve the loss of his wife as he spends every minute at Nicholas’ bedside. “It’s been hard, it’s a daily struggle … I don’t leave his bedside until 12, 1 in the morning,” he said. “Even leaving to go lay my wife to rest … it was just hard to keep my mind focused on the one thing, I didn’t want to leave him… but we gotta do what we gotta do.” Image credits: Nine News / Instagram

Caring

Thai cave rescue survivor dies aged just 17

Duangphet Promthep, one of 12 boys who was rescued along with their soccer coach from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system in northern Thailand, has died. Duangphet was found unconscious in his dormitory on Sunday, and sadly passed away two days later. While the exact cause of death is unknown at this time, reports from the United Kingdom suggest he had suffered a head injury. Duangphet had only been enrolled in Leicester’s Brooke House College Football Academy since late 2022. Thai non-profit organisation Zico Foundation, which had assisted him in getting a scholarship to study in England, shared its condolences on Facebook. “Zico Foundation would like to express its condolences and condolence for the passing away of Little Dom Duangphet Phromthep,” they wrote of Duangphet, who also went by the name ‘Dom’, “a student of Zico Foundation.” When Duangphet was only 13 years old, he was trapped with his soccer team - the Wild Boars soccer team of which he was captain - and their squad’s assistant coach for over two weeks in a cave system known as the ‘Great Cave of the Sleeping Lady'. The twelve boys were between the ages 11 and 16, and 4 kilometres into their fateful adventure, when rising floodwaters prevented their escape from Thailand’s fourth-largest cave system. It was an international effort to save the boys and their coach, with a search and rescue mission that spanned over two weeks, with divers from Thailand and from overseas stepping in to help. Some of the boys who were with him in those terrifying times shared their condolences on social media as news of his passing broke around the world. “Brother, you told me that we would be achieving our football dream,” wrote Titan Chanin Viboonrungruan. “If the next world is real, I want us to play football together again, my brother Dom.” “You told me to wait and see you play for the national team, I always believed that you would do it," Prachak Sutham said. "When we met the last time before you left for England, I even jokingly told you that when you come back, I would have to ask for your autograph. "Sleep well, my dear friend. We will always have 13 of us together." In a statement, Duangphet’s school principal Ian Smith said, “this event has left our college community deeply saddened and shaken. “We unite in grief with all of Dom's family, friends, former teammates and those involved in all parts of his life, as well as everyone affected in any way by this loss in Thailand and throughout the college's global family." Dom’s mother joined an online news conference and shared her hope that a Buddhist monk in England would be able to conduct rites for Duangphet. In that same conference, former Thai national soccer team coach and the Zico Foundation’s chairman Kiatisuk Senamuang, described his shock at the news of Duangphet’s passing. “My thoughts are with his family and friends,' he said, fighting tears. 'I think back to his dream of becoming a professional footballer, representing his country and his voice keeps speaking in my head.” He went on to explain that as far as he knew, Duangphet had been healthy, as a full health check had been performed in order for Duangphet to obtain his student visa. While his cause of death is currently unknown, an investigation into the cause will likely take place, and hopefully provide his loved ones with closure in this tragic time. Image: Facebook

News

“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

Disaster survivor Winnie De Silva has spoken to Sunrise’s Monique Wright about the devastating Sea World helicopter ride that she and her son, Leon, were passengers of. Winnie met Monique with a smile from her wheelchair, a necessity in the wake of her injuries - two broken legs, a crushed collarbone, blood clots, a severely wounded liver, and burns. Winnie and Leon were two of three survivors from their helicopter, with the other four people onboard losing their lives <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the accident</a>. “It was just a miracle that I’m here,” Winnie told Monique. The trip was a holiday for the mother and her nine-year-old son, and the flight a special treat for them both. “Up in the air I took two selfie photos for me and Leon,” Winnie said of the minutes before tragedy struck, “the water scenery was very beautiful, and Leon said to me ‘Mum, take photos’.” “We heard a bang,” she continued, going on to share her experience of the fatal crash, detailing the moment of collision. “When I saw the pilot’s side of the window, it’s broken. I could only see outside. “I would see clouds. I would see water underneath … and then I thought, ‘this is not going to be a helicopter ride anymore’. “The shaking was horrible. It was shaking both sides, and shaking continuously. It was just the end of life. And I had hope in the pilot, to me he’s my hero. I salute Ash, may he rest in peace.” Ash, the helicopter’s pilot, managed to get the aircraft above a sandbar, a move Winnie credits with saving herself and her son, Leon. Ash, unfortunately, lost his life that day. “I saw him struggle with trying to stabilise that helicopter,” Winnie recalled, “I didn’t see anyone else. I was looking at him.” “I held Leon’s hand, and I asked him to close his eyes,” she added, “and I closed my eyes as well, and I said to God ‘let your will be done’. When I closed my eyes, it was peace that came to myself. I can’t remember anything else.” Leon remains in hospital, where he is slowly improving. However, having been left with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-helicopter-crash-survivor-wakes-from-coma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">damage to his brain</a> from the crash, he requires 24 hour care. Leon has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, while Winnie has been at The Gold Coast University Hospital, and the two have only been able to see each other once in six weeks. Despite the tragedy, and the long and difficult road to recovery ahead of them, Winnie was open about her hope for the future, and expressed her gratitude for the miracle of their survival, telling Monique, “I am here, alive, and happy. “I am so thankful. I am doing okay right now, despite walking. But psychologically, mentally, I feel like there’s hope.” Images: Seven

Caring

Sea World helicopter crash survivors speak out

Survivors of the deadly Sea World helicopter crash that killed four people have spoken out about the tragedy. Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg and Marle and Edward Swart, two couples from New Zealand, were holidaying in Queensland when the helicopter they were travelling in collided with another on January 2nd. Now, weeks after the incident occurred, the couples spoke with 60 Minutes and revealed they are still picking glass out of their bodies. “I just want it out of my body because it reminds (me) of the day,” Ms Steenberg said. Ms Steenberg also shared how she knew they were in “serious trouble” when she saw the other helicopter underneath her. “We thought it’s just a five-minute flight, that’ll be fun,” Mrs Swart said. Her husband added, “What can go wrong?” “I saw the helicopter underneath me, and I knew we were in serious trouble and I actually said, ‘Please, God, help us’,” “And then I heard the explosion,” Ms Steenberg said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When two helicopters collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast, four friends from NZ never expected their new year's holiday to turn into a disastrous crash. They reflect on the joy of surviving, as well as the guilt and sorrow they have for the lives lost on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MkKFfV6mTW">pic.twitter.com/MkKFfV6mTW</a> — 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1622172822960226307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote> The couples’ pilot Michael James was at the controls of the other vehicle and managed to land it safely on the sandbank. They were taken to hospital and treated for their injuries and have since returned home to Auckland. Since returning to normal life, Ms Swart said the hardest part of the ordeal is knowing others died and being weighed down by the guilt of survival. "It's the hardest part and it's very real. The question everyday is: why?" “Why did we survive? We’re just ordinary, boring people. Why us, you know? We’re nothing special.” "So yeah, you think about that every day." The pilot of the other helicopter Ash Jenkinson, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros were killed in the tragedy. Mrs Tadros’s son Nicholas, 10, was critically injured while Geelong woman Winnie de Silva and her son Leon, nine, suffered serious injuries. Image credits: 60 Minutes

News

"A living miracle": Deadly helicopter crash survivor speaks after waking from coma

The young survivor of the deadly helicopter crash in Queensland has woken from his coma and spoken to his father for the first time since the tragedy. Nicholas Tadros was one of seven people on-board a joy ride helicopter that crashed near SeaWorld theme park on the Gold Coast. Four people died in the incident, including his mother Vanessa. The family's parish priest Suresh Kumar described the boy as a "living miracle" after he woke up from an induced coma almost one month after the horrific crash. “This little boy is a living miracle friends,” Father Kumar said in a post to Facebook on Saturday. The priest was overjoyed to reveal that Nicholas did not have any lasting brain injuries and was able to speak to his father Simon for the first time over the weekend. “A billion thanks to God. He doesn’t have brain injury,” Father Kumar said. “Simon is able to talk to him and Nicholas responds very clearly with names, dates etc though his voice is bit slur.” The priest went on to suggest that Nicholas’s miraculous survival could have been a result of the heroic acts of his late mother. “His mum Vanessa might have grabbed his head and protected him at the impact. She is a hero,” Father Kumar said. “Nicholas will be able to tell us when he is able to recollect. May Vanessa’s soul rest in peace.” Nicholas still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, as the medical team in charge of his care are working to save his leg form amputation after it was "shattered very badly" during the crash. “We have got to keep praying that his leg is not amputated as the danger of losing his leg is still looming,” Father Kumar said. “Overall, our little champ is fighting the good fight and keeps improving.” Image credits: Nine News

News

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Bondi stabbing survivor recalls terrifying ordeal

Cancer survivor slapped with $15,000 water bill

Deadly mushroom lunch survivor speaks out for the first time

Cancer survivor becomes world's strongest great-grandmother

"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Diving deeper into generosity: Cave diver's charitable gift shines a light on giving back

Update from survivor of deadly mushroom meal

“I really thought it was the end”: Death cap mushroom survivor breaks silence

"I stand here with you as a survivor": Delta Goodrem's emotional tribute

23-year-old bravely dies on her own terms

23-year-old reveals why she's chosen to end her life

"Stop putting things off”: Turia Pitt warns followers after recent health scare

‘Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living’: a (condensed) history of soup, from cave to can

“I didn’t want to come out!”: Spanish mountaineer emerges after 500 days underground

“That’s why we call him Superman”: Sea World crash survivor speaks

"Where's mum?" Sea World helicopter crash survivor's heart-breaking question

Thai cave rescue survivor dies aged just 17

“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

Sea World helicopter crash survivors speak out

"A living miracle": Deadly helicopter crash survivor speaks after waking from coma

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Bondi stabbing survivor recalls terrifying ordeal

Cancer survivor slapped with $15,000 water bill

Deadly mushroom lunch survivor speaks out for the first time

Cancer survivor becomes world's strongest great-grandmother

"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Diving deeper into generosity: Cave diver's charitable gift shines a light on giving back

Update from survivor of deadly mushroom meal

“I really thought it was the end”: Death cap mushroom survivor breaks silence

"I stand here with you as a survivor": Delta Goodrem's emotional tribute

23-year-old bravely dies on her own terms

23-year-old reveals why she's chosen to end her life

"Stop putting things off”: Turia Pitt warns followers after recent health scare

‘Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living’: a (condensed) history of soup, from cave to can

“I didn’t want to come out!”: Spanish mountaineer emerges after 500 days underground

“That’s why we call him Superman”: Sea World crash survivor speaks

"Where's mum?" Sea World helicopter crash survivor's heart-breaking question

Thai cave rescue survivor dies aged just 17

“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

Sea World helicopter crash survivors speak out

"A living miracle": Deadly helicopter crash survivor speaks after waking from coma

Our Partners

Join Over60