Community rallies to pay medical bills

Karratha locals rallied together to reach out and help valued community member Helen Hall, who was rushed to a Perth hospital last week.

Mrs Hall was flown to Perth after a stress-related illness left her in a critical condition.

The Karratha community banded together to raised more than $5000 on crowdfunding website GoFundMe to help with Mrs Hall’s medical bills.

Husband Mal said he was touched by the community’s gesture.

“I’m stoked that there’s so many people out there that just want to help her,” he said.

“We’ve lived up here for 20 years now, and right from the word go, Helen’s sort of tried to get into the community and just help out where she can.”

Mrs Hall has become a prominent member of the Karratha community through her work at the police station, as FeNAClNG event organiser, and raising money for Telethon and the South West bushfire appeal with son Nick, as well as her involvement in many other fundraising and volunteering efforts.

“Whenever she hears of somebody in trouble that needs a bit of a hand, she’s the first one to put her hand up and say ‘I want to help’ and she never asks for anything in return,” Mr Hall said.

“She’s got a huge heart and she just wants to help people — she just wants to do what she can for people to make life happy for everybody else.”

Family friend Meg Garratt, who started up the crowdfunding account, said Mrs Hall was a caring person and called on the community to give back to the person who had always given to them.

“Helen is the kind of lady you want to be a part of your family. She is kind, generous and will move heaven and earth to help anyone in need,” she said.

“Please let’s all get behind her during this difficult time and show our appreciation and support.”

Mrs Hall will be recovering in Perth with family for several weeks before returning to Karratha.

To donate, head to gofundme.com/helphelenhall.