Reality TV make-up artists Helen Dowsley has opened up on her son’s miraculous recovery after he was hit by a train and left for dead for seven hours.
Drew Dowsley, 30, was experiencing a mental health crisis and was turned away from a hospital after he sought help. He was told by staff that unless there was a risk of harm to himself or someone else, they were unable to help him.
Hours later, he was tragically hit by a train, and lay severely injured for seven hours until he was discovered. He suffered a host of injuries, including losing a hand, suffering three bleeds on the brain, broken ribs, a shattered spine and fractured chest plate, reports the Mirror.
His mother – celebrity make-up artist Helen – was working on Australian reality TV show Farmer Wants A Wife at the time of the incident. She had urged him to go to hospital, then the day after discovered he’d been turned away and that he was admitted with an array of life-changing injuries.
She has now revealed the extent of his injuries to the Daily Mail Australia, saying his body was “absolutely shattered”. Helen told the outlet: “They have to put a steel plate on his wrist to hold his thumb onto his wrist. There’s no other skeleton in his hand. There’s no hand. Just a large piece of skin.”
She added that his left hand was “degloved” and doctors were unable to save it. Ms Dowsley has slammed the hospital that turned her son away, adding that she was shocked to hear that he was told other patients “needed their help more”. She added that she believed he was “clearly in a state of psychosis” when seeking help, saying his treatment was “absolutely horrific” and she “still can’t” believe it.
Ms Dowsley claimed she felt angry and sad that her son was refused help when he was so unwell that he “threw himself in front of a train”. However, she was thrilled he could spend Christmas at home and worries when she looks ahead to the cost of his healthcare and surgeries he requires.
Australian reality star Abbie Chatfield has helped to share a fundraiser started by Helen’s friends, including fellow makeup artist Victoria Walton. The Go Fund Me page reads : “Helen is a kind-hearted and selfless person 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.
“We are aiming to raise $100,000 to assist with ongoing medical 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. Although this is an ambitious goal, every dollar contributes to a brighter future for this wonderful family. Let’s come together to help Helen and Drew navigate this incredibly tough time. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in their lives as they support each other through this recovery journey.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
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