n TV stars have rallied around a beloved reality show make-up artist whose son has suffered life-changing injuries after he was struck by a train during a mental health crisis.
Helen Dowsley’s son Drew was severely injured but amazingly survived despite lying by the train tracks for seven hours before he was discovered by emergency services.
Now a very emotional Abbie Chatfield has led a string of Aussie stars offering her support for her ‘beautiful friend’.
Dowsley is reknowned as a legend in the industry after her behind-the-scenes work on shows including The Bachelor, Farmer Wants A Wife and The Masked Singer.
Chatfield took to Instagram in tears to explain Drew had been suffering a psychotic episode for a number of days before the tragedy, but was unable to access any help.
‘He presented in hospital, but was turned away because he had not yet harmed himself or others,’ she said.
‘That night he went in front of a train and is severely injured.’
While Drew was miraculously found alive seven hours after the accident, he has now undergone multiple operations in a Sydney hospital.
‘Helen’s son has shattered his spine, he has lost his left hand, his right hand is very badly damaged, he has got bleeding on the brain and many many more injuries,’ said Chatfield.
Describing the make-up artist as ‘the most generous and beautiful woman,’ Abbie says Dowsley always took care of everyone on set.
Family friend Victoria St John has now set up a Gofundme to support Helen with medical and legal expenses while commuting daily from their home in the Southern Highlands to Sydney to be by Drew’s side.
‘We are reaching out to rally support for our dear friend Helen Dowsley and her son, Drew, who recently experienced a devastating accident,’ she wrote in the fundraiser.
‘Drew was struck by a train in a tragic incident that could have been avoided.
‘In the days leading up to the accident, Drew was in psychosis and sought help for his mental health at a hospital.
‘But [he] was turned away and told they couldn’t help him unless he hurt himself or someone else.’
She added: ‘He has show remarkable resilience, surviving despite severe injuries.
‘He was found seven hours after the accident, and while he miraculously survived, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, both physically and mentally.
She praised Drew’s mum for being ‘kind-hearted and selfless’ who ‘always lifts others with her positivity’.
‘She is the one who counsels us through our life dramas on set, and now it’s our turn to stand by her and Drew,’ she wrote.
‘We are aiming to raise $50,000 to assist with ongoing medical and legal expenses, as well as to help Helen provide the care Drew needs while balancing her work commitments and caring for her 95-year-old mother.’
The Gofundme campaign has since been shared by many of the stars who have worked with Helen including Carla From Bankstown, Alex Nation and Brittney Weldon.
It has raised more than $30,000 from well wishers in the first 24 hours.
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Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636