Funds are being raised for young Indonesian surfer Westen Hirst after he was involved in a motorcycle accident in Bali earlier this month which has left him with a ruptured spleen, internal bleeding, blood in his lungs and a fractured vertebrae which requires surgery.
The stylish goofy footer had recently returned to Bali after competing in a national Olympic contest in Aceh before the incident occurred which left him in hospital from 19-26 September. While the 16-year-old has since been discharged from hospital, he still requires financial support for upcoming surgery.
On the fundraising page, Westen’s family wrote: “As some of you may know my talented and wonderful nephew Westen Hirst a young surfing athlete was involved in a motorcycle accident in Bali (his home country) last week.
“Westen has been in ICU for 5 days in a hospital in Bali. He is in a stable condition now and being moved to a general room. Westen, has suffered internal injuries therefore needing many scans, tests and an up and coming surgery. As there is no health cover in Bali and unfortunately Westen’s insurance only covers partial parts of his medical bills, the bills are accumulating as he receives the treatment needed to make a full recovery.
“Westen, will be in hospital for some time and with the mounting financial costs it is putting pressure on his Dad and Mum in an already stressful time. It is hard to estimate the total cost of his treatment as it is ongoing at this stage.
“Westen, deserves the best care needed to make a full recovery so he can get back in the ocean and do what he does best! Shredding up those big waves in Indonesia and continuing on with his training and surf contests.”
Other members of the Indonesian surfing community have also called on the public to help Westen including the Kandui Resort in the Mentawai’s, who yesterday wrote in a post on social media: “Westen is one of the best surfers to ever come out of Indonesia but more importantly, he’s one of the most respectful, kind groms we’re run across. He’s been to Kandui countless times and we’re calling on the Kandui Community to please help get Westen back to 100%.”
Our thoughts go out to Westen and his family during this difficult time and we hope the surf community will put together to give him the support he needs so that he can get back in the surf as soon as possible.
Click the link here to donate.
