Last week tragedy struck Tasmania’s Adams Distillery, after an accident caused a fire that injured distillery employee Greg Longmore.
Longmore was airlifted from the distillery in Tasmania’s north to Hobart, with burns reported to 40 per cent of his body. He remains in an induced coma in the ICU where he will undergo a series of surgeries and skin grafts.
A GoFundMe has been set up by Longmore’s sister to support the family, including Longmore’s wife Erin and their two young girls. The fundraiser can be found here.
Although the distillery sustained damage from the fire, Co-owners Adam Pinkard and Adam Saunders have directed all offers of support to this GoFundMe to help the Longmore family in the recovery ahead.
A post on the distillery’s Facebook page said: “Many people have asked how they can help us in this tragic time. We are very grateful for the offers and messages. [To be honest], Adams will be rebuilt and Adam and Adam are okay. But our friend who has injuries needs help with his family and the long road ahead. If you would like to help us, please donate anything you can to Greg and his family.”
The fundraiser has already received an incredible outpouring of support in the days since it began. At the time of writing, more than 500 donors had contributed over $91,000 to the cause, thousands of which has come from the local industry and community.
Longmore’s sister gave an update to donors on the page after he underwent successful surgery for skin debridement and grafting last Thursday.
“Greg is in a stable condition, still in an induced coma which he will continue to be in for the next few weeks. Greg’s doctors and nurses are pleased with his condition and continue to give him the most amazing care,” the post read.
As the ABC reported, Tasmania Fire Service District Officer of Operations Mark Ciantar said Longmore was “conducting his normal day-to-day operations” when the accident occurred and authorities have ruled the fire accidental.
Ciantar also praised distillery staff for how they helped Longmore and isolated utilities following the fire, including Pinkard who is a former paramedic.
You can support Longmore through the GoFundMe here: https://au.gofundme.com/f/supporting-greg-longmore-and-family