FRIENDS have contributed more than $13,000 in under two days to provide support for the driver who suffered severe injures in a crash at the Hobart Raceway, outside New Norfolk, on Saturday night. Family friend Cobey Phillips has established an online fundraiser that can be found here.
Crane operator and father-of-three Bayden Ellston suffered multiple injuries in a crash during the first lap of the Formula 500 state title at the Sorell Creek venue around 9.15pm on Saturday. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene and a Workplace Safety investigation started soon after.
Among many online posts about the incident, onsite photographer Angryman Photography paid tribute to the volunteers, officials, medical staff and paramedics at the speedway. “Their professionalism at such a confronting scene has to be commended. Wishing Bayden and his family and friends all the best in his recovery.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Brittany Ellston who posted an update on her husband’s condition. “I just wanted to jump on and thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support that has been shown to Bayden, myself and our family and friends. It has been an extremely tough 24 hours and we are not out of the woods by any means. He is currently and will remain in an induced coma while the surgeons and doctors work out the best course of treatment. With two head surgeries under his belt all ready he is showing us what a massive fighter he is,” Brittany said on Facebook.
“I also want to give a huge shout out to the volunteers, officials, medical staff and paramedics at the speedway … you are all amazing and I promise what you all did for Bayden has not gone unnoticed,” she said.
Picture: Bayden and Brittany Ellston.
