- Son Drew was found alive by a train seven hours after arriving
- Refused medical attention that day because he ‘didn’t hurt himself or others’
Australian TV stars have united around a beloved reality show make-up artist whose son suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a train during a mental health crisis.
Helen Dowsley’s son Drew was seriously injured but amazingly survived despite being near the railway line for seven hours before being discovered by emergency services.
Now a very emotional Abbie Chatfield has led a string of Australian stars who offered her support for her ‘beautiful friend’.
Dowsley is known as a legend in the industry after her work behind the scenes on shows like The Bachelor, Farmer Wants A Wife and The Masked Singer.
Chatfield took to Instagram in tears, explaining that Drew had been experiencing a psychotic episode for several days before the tragedy, but had been unable to access any help.
“He presented to hospital but was sent away as he had not yet harmed himself or others,” she said.
“He ran in front of a train that night and was seriously injured.”
While Drew was miraculously found alive seven hours after the accident, he has now undergone multiple surgeries at a Sydney hospital.
“Helen’s son has had his spine shattered, he has lost his left hand, his right hand is very badly damaged, he has a brain bleed and many other injuries,” Chatfield said.
Helen Dowsley’s son Drew has suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a train during mental health crisis
Abbie Chatfield has led a string of Australian stars offering her support for her ‘beautiful friend’, Helen Dowsley
Abbie says Helen took care of everyone on set
Abbie describes the make-up artist as ‘the most generous and beautiful woman’ and says Dowsley always looked after everyone on set.
Family friend Victoria St John now has one Gofundme to support Helen with medical and legal costs as she commutes daily from their home in the Southern Highlands to Sydney to be by Drew’s side.
“We are reaching out to raise support for our dear friend Helen Dowsley and her son Drew, who recently experienced a devastating accident,” she wrote in the fundraiser.
“Drew was hit by a train in a tragic, preventable incident.
‘In the days leading up to the accident, Drew was in psychosis and sought help for his mental health at a hospital.
‘But [he] was turned away and told they couldn’t help him unless he hurt himself or someone else.”
She added: “He has shown remarkable resilience and survived despite serious injuries.
‘He was found seven hours after the accident and although he miraculously survived, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, both physically and mentally.
She praised Drew’s mother for being “kind-hearted and selfless” and “always uplifting others with her positivity.”
Friends say Helen is the most loving mother to her sons (photo)
Helen has worked worldwide with the world’s biggest stars, including Ed Sheeran
On set with Pia Miranda
“She’s the one who guides us through our life dramas on set, and now it’s our turn to stand by her and Drew,” she wrote.
‘We aim to raise $50,000 to help with ongoing medical and legal costs, and to help Helen provide the care Drew needs while balancing her work commitments and caring for her 95-year-old mother .’
The Gofundme campaign has since been shared by many of the stars who worked with Helen, including Carla From Bankstown, Alex Nation and Brittney Weldon.
It has raised more than $30,000 from well-wishers in its first 24 hours.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636