Royal Life Saving Day assists a special family

You may have seen our volunteers around the city and at train stations a couple of weeks ago as part of Royal Life Saving Day. It’s our annual fundraising event that helps us to continue our vital work to prevent drowning across the WA community. Tthis year we decided to use some of the proceeds from Royal Life Saving Day to assist a special family who know very well the impact drowning can have.

Ari Morrison survived a non-fatal drowning while on a holiday with his family in the United States five years ago. Unknown to anyone else on board the then three year old woke up from a nap while his family holidayed on a houseboat, and fell from the boat into the water. He was not in the water for more than a minute but the damage was done and he was left with severe brain damage.

For his mum Simone, and his siblings, the incident changed their lives forever as this once energetic, talkative little boy now needed around the clock care. Regular hospital appointments, medical issues and extensive daily care routines have meant that at times Ari’s siblings have missed out on some of the one on one attention they would normally have received from their mum.

In order to address this Simone recently approached Royal Life Saving WA to request funding to assist in providing respite care for Ari, allowing Simone to spend valuable and much needed time with her other children. The family has found an amazing carer called Kay, who comes into their home and assists with Ari’s care; thoroughly understanding his needs and emulating the loving and nurturing environment that his family normally provide.

Following Royal Life Saving Day we invited Simone, Ari and Kay to visit our offices in Mount Claremont to receive a special gift of $3000 to assist in meeting this very important need. It was amazing to see how Ari is growing, and the special bond he shares with both his mum and his carer.

If you’d like to assist us in providing assistance for similar families affected by a non-fatal drowning incident please click the link below to make a donation.