WA’s hard charging Willow Hardy recently suffered a serious syndesmosis injury while in Newcastle for the first WSL Challenger Series event of the year. Due to not having private health cover, she’s started a fundraiser and raffle to help cover the costs of the surgery. Those that donate could also win themselves a number of different prize packs made up of donations from Willow’s sponsors.
The 18-year-old recently showed some hell women heroics as a wildcard during the CT event at Margaret River. This was also meant to be her first full season on the CS as she aims to qualify for the top tier of professional surfing. However, after tearing three ligaments and detaching another from the bone during a free surf in Newcastle, her campaign has been put on hold.
Here’s what Willow wrote about her fundraiser:
“This year, I achieved a huge milestone in my surfing journey: qualifying for the Challenger Series. I worked incredibly hard to get here, and I was beyond excited to compete and chase my dream of qualifying for the Championship Tour.
“Unfortunately, after being knocked out in the first event of the season in Newcastle, I went for a free surf down the beach and got awkwardly compressed in a barrel. I sustained a serious syndesmosis injury—completely tearing three ligaments and detaching another from the bone. It required immediate surgery.
“I flew to Perth then to Brisbane and underwent surgery on June 10th. Thankfully, I was able to get operated on, in a private hospital just a few days after the injury, which gives me the best shot at returning to compete in Challenger Series Event #3 in the U.S. in two months’ time.
“As I don’t have private health insurance, I’ve had to cover all the surgery and associated medical costs out of pocket. As well as the flights and accommodation. Any donation would mean the world and will go directly toward helping cover these expenses so I can focus 100% on my rehab and getting back in the water.
“All donations over $20 will go into the draw to win an epic prize pack, thanks to my amazing sponsors.
“Thank you so much for your support—it truly means everything.”
Click here to donate. We wish Willow a speedy recovery and hope to see her charging on the big stage again in no time.
