Nearly $300,000 Raised For Families Of Two Volunteer Firefighters Who Died Battling Bushfires

Since volunteer firefighters Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer died, Aussies have pledged nearly $300,000 (£160,000) in donations for their young families.

The pair were killed when the truck they were in hit a tree and rolled off a road while they were battling intense bushfires.

Aussies have come in their droves to make sure that the O'Dwyer's and the Keaton's families have enough support over the coming months.

A GoFundMe was set up shortly after their deaths by Warren Spriggs, who wrote on the fundraising site: "I was not personally acquainted with these two Firefighters, but do feel deeply saddened by the fact that they passed in the line of duty.

"I have now met the families of these two men, as well as the fellow Firefighters from the Horsley Park Brigade, and must say they are all beautiful people. These men gave their lives helping others, I feel this fundraiser will assist in everyday living and expenses for their families.

"Once again, thank you all so much for supporting this campaign, and I know no amount of money can change the unfortunate events of the last couple of days, but it can and will help with everyday living expenses.

"All funds raised from this GoFundMe campaign will be going to the wives and children of these men."

NSW RFS/Twitter

The wives of Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer have spoken about their monumental grief over losing their husbands.

Andrew's wife Melissa told the Daily Telegraph that the support from the Rural Fire Service has been incredible.

Melissa said: "I am still in denial. It is always in the back of your mind but the boys have always got each other's back. Our kids have got all these aunties and uncles now and that gives me a lot of comfort.

"They can hear the stories about their dads and how mighty they have been."

Geoffrey's wife Jess added: "He would drive me mad giving up stuff at home to help people... I would give anything for that now. I just want him to be remembered as the hero he was."

If you want to help out the two families in their time of need, click here. You can also donate to a bank account set up by the NSW RFS to support the families of the two firefighters here.

Topics: News, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie