More than $26,000 has been raised in less than a day to support the family of a five-year-old boy who is fighting for his life in a Melbourne hospital following an alleged stabbing in Launceston.
The GoFundMe campaign has attracted over 350 donations since it was launched on Tuesday, with the community rallying around the family during what they have described as “an unimaginable situation”.
The boy has undergone “multiple surgeries” at The Royal Children’s Hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.
A 33-year-old Ravenswood woman police said is known to the child has been charged with attempted murder over the alleged incident.
Police were called to the Launceston General Hospital shortly before midnight on Monday after the boy presented with serious knife wounds.
He was later flown to Melbourne for urgent treatment.
The accused woman also presented with non-life-threatening injuries and remains in police custody.
She appeared in a bedside court sitting on Tuesday and is expected to reappear in court next week.
The fundraiser was organised by the boy’s aunt Janita Atkinson to support his father during the hospital stay.
“His dad Josh and I have had to travel immediately from Launceston to be by his side and will remain in Melbourne for the foreseeable future while he receives treatment and support,” she wrote.
Funds raised will go towards travel costs for family members, accommodation near the hospital, daily expenses and lost income, the fundraiser states.
“Right now, the focus is simply on supporting Josh so he is not alone and has the support he needs so he can continue showing up and being present for his little fighter,” Atkinson wrote.
“For privacy and legal reasons, details are limited. We appreciate your understanding.”
