Thousands of dollars have been raised for a local entertainer and bus driver who was seriously injured in a crash last month.
Mike Winkworth, a bus driver for Brisbane City Council, was badly injured on 7 July after the bus he was driving hit a concrete barrier.
He was reportedly trapped in the bus for 30 minutes before emergency services were able to free him.
Last Thursday, a benefit concert was held at Club Beenleigh to raise funds for Mr Winkworth to support him in his difficult recovery journey ahead.
The fundraiser’s organisers say the concert was “packed” with locals wishing the “popular and well-respected” entertainer the best.
The Thurday morning concert featured acts by local performers Jared Alexander, Brian Avery and Darrin Leigh.
Local community groups, including a radio station, rugby league club, butchers and restaurants also chipped in.
Mr Winkworth, who is expected to be incapacitated for several months, said he was “extremely grateful” for everyone who came along.
Almost $5200 was raised in total and was presented to Mr Winkworth on the day.
An additional $4300 has been raised via a GoFundMe page set up by Karen Mulveney from entertainment agency Johnny Veen Enterprises.
“Mike will be in hospital for quite some time and then he will have to go through extensive rehabilitation to help with his recovery,” Ms Mulveney wrote on the page.
“Mike and his family finally moved into their new home about eight months ago after some long delays due to the after effect of Covid in the building industry.
“To help make payments to the new home Mike had taken on a second job driving buses for the Brisbane council in between still working with his true love and passion of entertaining the public throughout south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
“Thank you to all his fans and friends who have already sent well wishes, if you can’t help financially, please keep those well wishes coming as that is a great help in itself.
“Our love and thoughts are with Mike and his family, and we can’t wait to see him back on stage where he belongs performing for all of us once again soon.”
Find the GoFundMe page here: gofund.me/763ec460.
