Christian Power is not surprised by the Illawarra community’s “huge” show of support for his “amazing” relative Henry Kocatekin.
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The Wombarra teenager is fighting for life in a Portuguese hospital after suffering self-inflicted burns to 90 per cent of his body.
Mr Power, who is in constant contact with Henry’s mother Kate Kocatekin, said the 18-year-old’s condition was serious.
“The first 10 days is crucial. Today is actually the 10-day mark so that is the first hurdle,” he said.
“But it is really a day-to-day proposition at this stage.
“All we can do is support Kate and be there for her.
“That’s why I’m thankful to Henry’s school friends including Beatrix [Rowe] for setting up the GoFund me page.”
The page, launched on Thursday has passed the $5000 goal and had raised $7705 at time of publication.
“We need to be there for this amazing young man and his beautiful mother Kate,” Beatrix Rowe said.
“Whilst money is a distant way of showing support in a time of need, it is the best long term way we can all be there for this family, as medical, accommodation and recovery costs shouldn’t have to be a concern.
“We need to allow Kate and Henry’s nearest and dearest to be there wholeheartedly for emotional support.
“We can help with the rest. Any amount donated helps.”
Miss Rowe lives just down the road from Henry and has known him since primary school.
“I’ve known Henry and his family for a long time….he is an outstanding debater, hilarious actor, and the most kind and caring young man you could know,” she said.
Mr Power said the family appreciated all the support they were getting.
Henry really is an amazing kid who is loved by many.
- Christian Power
“This is a wonderful community who always supports one of their own,” he said.
“Henry really is an amazing kid who is loved by many. His fundraising efforts for his sister Alice were inspirational.
“He really is a special kid, always has been.”
Henry’s injuries are another blow for the much-loved family, who lost their daughter and sister Alice in 2012 from mitochondrial disease.
Before Alice died, she and Henry ran the City2Surf three years in a row and backpacked around Asia.
Henry has also been heavily involved in charity work, raising thousands for mitochondrial disease, for which he received the Mito Foundation award in 2015.
He has volunteered for hospitals, surf life saving and been involved in Relay for Life.
Lifeline (13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 and suicidecallbackservice.org.au), beyondblue (1300 22 4636 and beyondblue.org.au) are here to help.