Strangers from across the country have rallied in support of Michelle Pillar, who lost both legs following a truck crash last week
Strangers across the country have rallied together in support of a 25-year-old truck driver who lost both legs following a scary crash last week.
Strangers in the hundreds have rallied together in support of the young truck driver whose legs were amputated after a freak crash last week, some even auctioning their own animals.
Michelle Pillar was trapped in her livestock truck’s cabin for up to 11 hours after it rolled in the Otways, in southwest Victoria, last Monday.
Crews worked desperately to free her from the vehicle, but ended up having to amputate her right leg below the knee to pull her out.
Her left was later removed in hospital to save her life.
While the 25-year-old’s employer Boyle’s Livestock Transport is insured, Ms Pillar will undoubtedly have a lifetime of medical expenses ahead of her – something her community is determined to not let her face alone.
“You can imagine, the poor kid, being stuck there, the stress it would have been causing her at the time,” her boss Anthony Boyle told ABC News.
In the days following the incident, an incredible $100,000 was raised through GoFundMe and several other fundraising efforts including the donation of cattle and hay to be auctioned.
Two fellow truckies were behind a huge fundraiser established at the Mortlake Roadhouse, where customers could donate to a bucket or directly to a bank account.
“It’s just been bloody crazy, when the two lads came up with the idea, we had no idea the response we’d get,” owner Dion Symons told the publication.
“It’s so touching, I don’t personally know Michelle but right now I feel like I know her brilliantly because I’ve heard so much about her.
“By all accounts, people tell me she’s one tough cookie and will fight like all hell.”
Mr Boyle echoed the sentiment, recalling clients calling to say how well she had been establishing herself in the industry.
“I was getting phone calls from people saying you can send her back any time, she was marvellous with the cattle and different things like that,” he said.
“She’s a tough kid, and her family are pretty strong, and with the support of this community, as much as she’s an independent person, she’s going to need all that support.”
He added that while Ms Pillar was still heavily sedated, her body had so far been responding as well as could be expected to her treatment.
Originally published as Community rallies for truck driver who lost both legs in horror crash
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