Friends, family rally to help bashed man

as posted here

Family and friends of a newly married father of one who was bashed unconscious at a Gosnells party last month have rallied together to help his family financially while he learns to walk and talk again.

Mathew Double was at a party on Walter Street in Gosnells on August 2 when a group of juveniles were seen hanging around cars out the front of the home about 12.30am.

Police allege an argument began between the man and members of the group became physical, spilling out on to the street.

Mr Double was later found unconscious in a nearby park.

He was in a coma in Royal Perth Hospital for several weeks.

Mr Double's former colleagues and friends at Bossong Engineering in Welshpool, which he joined as an apprentice 17 years ago, have rallied to do whatever they can to help his wife Karlene and teenage daughter.

Financial controller Janice Bossong spoke of the horror she felt when hearing of what happened to "the six foot six giant" she treated like a son.

"I'm devastated," Ms Bossong said.

"Mat started with us as a 15-year-old apprentice, as a naughty little boy …we have seen him grow into a lovely man.

"We've always wished him the best and this situation…there is nothing good about it - it's awful.

"We feel helpless really."

The bank has frozen the Double's mortgage repayments for three months but Ms Bossong said that provided just a small window of financial reprieve.

Twelve of Mr Double's former colleagues have asked that a day of their holiday pay be donated to the family.

A quiz night and dinner and racing night at Gloucester Park have been organised for September 24 and 25.

Donations of prizes for the quiz night and money donated by strangers have been coming in thick and fast.

"One man who cleans ovens said he'd never done this before (donated money) but was sending a voucher our way…that really touched me," Ms Bossong said.

"I was impressed and delighted from the worst that could happen to the opposite - its put (my) faith back in human nature."

For details about the events call 9212 2345.


as posted here