Help Us Bring Angus Home
Update
07 Apr 2023
So, before I close this page, I’ll give a last update. Hopefully, most of the donors would have got an email giving you a huge thankyou for your love and support (sadly those who’d written their email wrong didn’t receive this—and yes I had lot of bounced emails!).
Again, I’d like to share my gratitude for those who had the forethought to set up this page, and for all the contributors. I still look at the totals in disbelief. There were 2797 donations directly to the My Cause page raising $266,545. Added to this was a further $66,128.47 direct donations due to some individual fundraising efforts. The biggest was the amazing Black Rock Yacht Club charity auction night – put together and attended by a huge amount of fabulous people raising $45,100. Next was just the efforts of one crazy guy—Angus’s cousin Henry, raising $10,764.12 by running round in large circles in a London park to complete an ultra-marathon. Other family members did some crazy adventures too- we had 3 generations climbing Penyghent- a brute of a hill in the Yorkshire Dales, one niece put on a quiz for lawyers, another created a whole range of goose wear, while a mother-daughter (sister-niece) duo kayaked for a whole day down the Thames-not an easy feat in cold weather and a high flow. More locally, we had several venues collecting donations, thankyou to the local people visiting Boatrocker, Doyles, Carlos Cantina and Parkers Pavillion, plus a Chelsea community group.
With your amazing help, we could pay all the bills necessary to get Angus home, which I said in the last email was around $400,000. This just meant that we all had more time with Angus and many friends and family could visit him in his last days. We had a wonderful memorial, starting with the throwing of feathers after enjoying the moon-light, and as the sun rose, the beach floated with people and people floated in the waves. In England, a rocket was launched! We had over 400 people at the memorial service in Doyles and many online watching on - Spressi Mars were a flowing from 9 am onwards and the tables were decked in colour and feathers, just as Angus would have liked. We had over 100 pledges, and in one way or another most had a ‘be more Angus’ theme – keep it up everyone! (I have them photographed and will be checking in!) We had the first tranche of Goose t shirts distributed at the memorial, and it’s great to keep seeing them being worn. Wonderful tributes were given from family, friends, teachers and his special clients and we had the speeches given in between two beautiful video montages created by two beautiful people. A few days later – I was sent a photo of a goose tattoo on one of Angus’s friend’s legs and by the end of the week, my sister, niece and I plus several other friends all had our own little goose or ‘It is what it is’ Angus tattoo mementos. Long live Angus, and may he never stop supporting us all. I’ll keep the candles burning every night for him too. Sending love every day to the moon and back. If you didn't receive the main thankyou email mid-march, please email me and I'll send on.
Update
06 Mar 2023
Important message: Angus John Catt's Life Celebration memorial
Angus John Catt's - Life Celebration memorial details.
Where: Aspendale Beach down from Parana St Aspendale.
When: Wednesday, 8 March, at sunrise's first light, 6.45am, Sunrise 7.10am, to reflect, share memories, and congregate to dip your toes in the water and throw a feather (representing An-goose) into the sea.
Please wear a bright, colored or fun t-shirt.
*Parking is available at The Bridge Hotel (Doyals), Mordialloc, and a short walk down Parana St to the beach.
After the beach reflection, please join the family at The Bridge Hotel from 8am for Angus's Life celebration and refreshments (provided up to 11am).
Memorial speeches will be live streaming from The Bridge Hotel on Wednesday, 8 March, at 9am.
Please cut and paste the link below into your web browser for all instructions on accessing the live stream. You will also be able to leave a message of condolence.
https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/27739/Angus-Catt/obituary.html#tribute-start
Thank you for being so supportive. Sally, Jim, and Will will send messages of gratitude later in the week.
Lee-Anne XX
Update
05 Mar 2023
Message from Lee-Anne on behalf of Sally and the family.
Angus's family is so grateful and touched by the beautiful flowers and gifts arriving at our home, bringing much-needed rich fragrances and colour.
They are requesting no-cut flowers at Angus's life celebration but to consider a charity donation instead. Please see all the details below.
During Angus's time as a care worker, Angus was very involved with the not-for-profit organisation BAM Arts Inc, which has studios throughout Melbourne and is dedicated to providing art, music, theatre, and dance programs giving creative opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages.
Angus was part of their special care team, working in their coffee shop, helping with excursions, and attending their disco nights. He always introduced his clients to the many activities they offer.
Angus's family recently attended a fundraising trivia night for BAM Arts Inc, where they raised money for accessible toilets in their Frankston studio. Angus had tremendous fun (outbidding his mother and even himself on several auction items!). Despite the fun night, BAM made less than 10% of the quoted price for the toilets, which is $46,000.
We are sure Angus would think it very fitting if he could raise the money to make these accessible toilets a reality. Also, BAM Arts Inc is looking for funding for new theatre lights—again, Angus would love to be able to shine a light on all the beautiful performers!
So, if flowers or a gift were on your mind, perhaps you could donate to BAM Arts Inc instead. This can be achieved by going to https://bamarts.org.au/ and scrolling to the bottom of the page, where you will find a 'Make a Donation' button.
The button will lead to a 'MyCause,/BAM Arts Inc donation page.
Please complete 'In honour of person…' where you can add Angus's name.
BAM Arts Inc and the Catt family thank you in advance!
*Tomorrow morning, there will be further details on the live-streaming link for Angus's memorial on Wednesday, 8 March.
Update
01 Mar 2023
A message from Angus’s cousin, Hannah. Firstly, thank you everyone for your incredible support and donations during this difficult time. The whole family is so grateful.
With everything that’s been happening over the last week there hasn’t really been a right time to share an update on the An-goose shirts, but many of you have been asking about them.
The first round of orders of the Stripy Goose shirts was incredibly successful, with 123 shirts ordered and over $4000 raised. These are currently being printed and will be ready this Tuesday! So for those that can pick them up from BRYC-they could be worn on wednesday.
We have now transitioned sales over to Redbubble, so if you would like something to remember and celebrate Angus, whilst also supporting his family, there are now 5 different designs available on about 80 different products on our Redbubble shop, AngusAid. The designs are all based on clothes Angus liked to wear and they celebrate his cheeky, colourful and accepting personality. Products can be shipped worldwide. Either search for “AngusAid” on Redbubble or follow the link at the bottom.
All profits go directly to Angus’ parents Sally & Jim to help pay for the Air Ambulance which brought Angus home and allowed so many of his family and friends to be with him in his final days and say goodbye. I hope these designs can help alleviate some of the financial stress for Sally & Jim during this difficult time whilst also giving you something to remember him by.
Thank you again for your continued support. Hannah
https://www.redbubble.com/people/AngusAid/shop?asc=u
Update
28 Feb 2023
From Sally Catt - Important update.
The Memorial service for Angus's date has changed.
Previously Tuesday 7 March.
Now it is Wednesday, 8 March.
Please park at Doyles Hotel, Mordialloc, and walk down Parana St to the beach at 6.30am for sunrise.
Congregating to dip our toes in the water and throw a feather (representing An-goose) into the sea (swim if you like!).
Then you are invited to join the family at Dolyes Hotel after 8am for Angus's Life celebration and refreshments (all provided up to 11am).
Please wear a bright, colored or fun t-shirt and a smile!
Speeches at around 9am will be live-streamed.
All welcome
Update
27 Feb 2023
After three days in palliative care, Angus drifted off in peace this Saturday, 25 February, and suffered no more pain.
His Mum, Sally, Dad, Jim, younger brother Will, Martina, cousin Emily, and Hannah were with him on the day, saying their goodbyes and finally joined by Aunty Melon.
We will remember Angus as loving life and adventure while being caring and generous with a beautiful soul.
We thank you for all your support and beautiful messages. This vast community spirit has shown us that there truly is a village.
The overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and empathy for Angus and his family.
There will be a Sunrise memorial service to celebrate Angus's life.
Where: Aspendale Beach ( Google Inset)
Date Tuesday 7 March 2023
Time: Sunrise 6.30 am
Followed refreshments at Doyles Hotel Mordialloc;
More detail to follow, including a link for a live stream.
XX
Update
22 Feb 2023
Thank you all who helped repatriate Angus to Australia to be with his beautiful family and friends. Every donation, small and large, has helped try to save Angus. Angus would not have made it home to his loved ones without you. His injuries are significant, traumatic, and now life-ending.
Today was a sad day that has been grave and given clarity for Sally, Jim, and Will. The hospital, specialist, and all the caring staff have done all that they can in helping this beautiful young, devoted, playful, funny best friend, son, brother, nephew, grandson, and cousin a life.
For the next few days, Angus's family and friends will be visiting Angus, holding his hand and saying goodbye, and whispering stories of hope and adventure.
Angus will be in palliative care for the next few days and will be well supported by all his loved ones and others.
From Henery Angus's cousin........................
'If everyone could be a bit more Angus, the world would be a better and happier. Love you lots mate.'
There will be no pain, no trauma—only peace and love with Angus.
Update
20 Feb 2023
Time stands still for Angus, and he remains unconscious and in intensive care, being well cared for in one of the world's best hospitals in Melbourne. The doctors, nurses, and support staff are all looking after him with compassion and only the best management under the complex injuries and trauma he has endured.
Angus's family and friends hold his hands daily at the hospital, talking to him about fun times and good memories they share. He is never alone.
The fundraising activities for Angus's medical bills continue worldwide with Angus's family's support and this Mycause platform. Some of the latest activities are amazing and passionate!
After a dawn start on a Yorkshire winter's day, Sally (Angus's Mum), sister Helen and the family set off up one of Yorkshire's '3 peaks', the mighty Pennyghent. Henry (Angus's cousin), who had run an ultra-marathon last weekend in a London park- now the family baton goes south again to Sally's other sister Katie and her eldest daughter Rebecca are doing a very cold marathon kayak down the Thames.
Sally, Jim, and Will are truly grateful for the support and endless love that has been shared on this platform on behalf of Angus.
XX
Update
15 Feb 2023
There are many people to thank and many who continue to donate to help with Angus's extraordinary medical and repatriation costs.
Sally and Jim are thinking of you all, grateful and overwhelmed, and want you to know they will be in touch as soon as time allows.
It is a couple of days since Angus was flown into Melbourne by Avcair and Aspen Medical to a Melbourne Hospital. He remains in a critical condition and continues to fight for his life. The specialist team is impressive, and he has a full-time nurse continually looking after his every need. So wonderful that he can have caring people around his bed at all times, including generous family and friends visiting times.
While this has been going on, there has been an outpouring of support and love that the Catt family has received from a community that wants to help.
Last Saturday evening, the Black Rock Yacht Club held a community fundraising event that was highly successful in contributing to the Help Us Bring Angus Home funds raising over $30,000 + at the event (now reflected in the Mycause tally) and so many outstanding donations from many businesses and services available for auction!!.
An incredible effort was put into the evening by Sally's open-water swimming group, family and friends, and the Black Yacht Club to make this happen. Thank you to the donors of goods and services for making the night successful with your generosity and giving spirits.
There were terrific volunteers, chefs, bartenders, waitpersons, auctioneers, helpers of the auction and raffle, musicians, IT support (huge!!), t-shirt designers and printers, video montage creators, and the donation of the venue - with many working all week and more to make it a fantastic night.
All this made the evening a warm, giving atmosphere.
(Angus would have loved it!).
“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.” – Laini Taylor
XX
Update
13 Feb 2023
Angus has made it home!
You all have done it!!
The world has bought Angus home to Melbourne.
The team, Sally, Jim, Wiil, Martina, and her wonderful Korean Family, have been working hard since Angus's accident to find a way to bring Angus home. The Aspen Medical team was engaged in taking the task of getting Angus safely home.
Avcair and Aspen Medical team's high-risk assessment expertise had every plan in place then the unplanned and unexpected happened. Still, their knowledge and agile experience were outstanding in getting Angus home.
The Journey Home.
The obstacles from day one in preparation in assessing Angus and making sure that there was enough oxygen to last the journey home for him back to Melbourne, to wrapping in his cocoon helmet for his brain and stabilising his lungs to air pressure drops, making sure he was comfortable for the perilous journey home. The incredible team made this happen.
The Flight plans:
Leave 8am Korea, refuel Philippines, then Darwin refuel and change of medical team in Darwin fly into Melbourne, with border control approval all done. Ready to go.
Change of plan: Leave at 12.30pm Korea
Change of Plan Leave Korea at 6.30pm
Change of plan: leave the next day from Korea. Flight paths changed due to a typhoon in Darwin. Instead of Darwin, the aircraft was diverted to Alice Springs.
This change meant that the medical team in Darwin must be moved to Alice Springs because of the typhoon and the delayed arrival.
Boarder control approval had to be taken to Minister for overriding the Darwin landing to ensure that Angus and the repatriation team could land in Alice Springs. There was also an extra refuel stop in Indonesia added.
Flight Leaves Korea and arrives without issues in the Phillipenes. Angus is stable and manages the flight very well. Some issues with the debris on the landing strip damaging a wheel and the plane has to await repairs in Manado, Indonesia. A new plane was dispatched from Towoomba to fix the tyre and top up the medical supplies, while Angus remained safe in his cocoon on the plane for 8h - well cared for by Damo, the Doctor, and Rach, the Nurse.
Hours later, they land in Alice Springs. The new medical team, Tony, the Doctor, and John, the Nurse, take a comprehensive handover from Damo and Rach, and after a pilot, changes are now ready for the final leg of the journey. On the flight from Alice Springs to Melbourne, the team is in contact with the ambulance service for transport from Essendon airport to the specialist trams team in a Melbourne Hospital. Shaun, managing operations for Avcair, was in constant contact with Sally throughout the entire journey – which, with Avcair, started many days before the flight
The Aspen Medical team land, the ambulance, and every hospital staff member welcomed Sally with open arms while everything was happening around Angus during the handover. Sally said Angus was looking so peaceful and was told he had been incredibly strong throughout this Flight (The family had been given grave warnings that flying in his condition was dangerous and he may not make it, hence keeping his return a little under the radar) - again, Angus has defied the odds.
This would not have happened without the local and worldwide love and support he received during his three weeks in a Korean Hospital.
Angus's journey home has been celebrated with tears of joy and gratitude.
You have been holding hands with us on this journey, and please don't let go yet. Angus is now facing the next battle. Scans, MRIs, tests, and medical specialists are now looking at Angus and planning ahead.
Sally and Jim will be reaching out to all soon. XX
Picture - (Sally and the Aspen Medical team, Tony and John at the Melbourne hospital, and Sally with Angus in ICU)
DONATIONS2797
Catherine Mok
Tue, 28 Mar 2023
$ 50
I’m glad to be in a position to contribute. I have no doubt that you’d all do the same, but that’s not the point. I cannot imagine the emotions you and your family are experiencing. Anything that can reduce your load is worthwhile. Much love.
I’m glad to be in a position to contribute. I have no doubt that you’d all do the same, but that’s not the point. I cannot imagine the emotions you and your family are experiencing. Anything that can reduce your load is worthwhile. Much love.
$ 50
Heather Bain
Mon, 27 Mar 2023
$ 100
You are all in my thoughts. Kia kaha
You are all in my thoughts. Kia kaha
$ 100
Anonymous
Sun, 26 Mar 2023
$ 20
Donation from a stranger who liked the goose shirt
Donation from a stranger who liked the goose shirt
$ 20
Angela Sean and Holly
Tue, 21 Mar 2023
$ 50
A wee bit more to help with the costs
A wee bit more to help with the costs
$ 50
Sandra Stewart
Sun, 19 Mar 2023
$ 100
$ 100
Anonymous
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
$ 100
$ 100
Deirdre Zander-Fox
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
$ 100
$ 100
Anonymous
Mon, 13 Mar 2023
$ 400
$ 400