The victim of a brutal machete attack in Altona Meadows last month has thanked the public for its support as he endures excruciating pain, regular nightmares and a lack of income.
More than $22,000 has been pledged to a GoFundMe page for Saurabh Anand who was attacked at the Central Square Shopping Centre about 8pm on July 19.
The 33-year-old Altona Meadows resident has been unable to return to his job since the attack and said money from the fundraiser was his only income.
“I don’t know where the next dollar will come from,” Mr Anand said.
“All this support from the community will help me cover medical expenses. I’m grateful and appreciate of all the efforts the community has put in to raise those funds.”
However, Mr Anand said the money donated would only go so far.
“Money doesn’t return my arm.”
Mr Anand said his arm was covered in bandages following the attack and the extent of his injuries only became clear following surgery.
“Seeing the injuries with my own eyes has just increased my trauma,” he said.
“Mentally I still feel attacked every night when I go to sleep and the pain and the trauma wakes me up every night and I’m in tears.”
Mr Anand’s mother has recently flown in from India to support him during his recovery, which his doctors estimate could take at least 12 months.
Four teens were arrested in relation to the attack, with a 14-year-old boy from the Wyndham area charged with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, robbery and unlawful assault and remanded to face a children’s court
Two 15-year-old boys from the Hobsons Bay area were also charged with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, robbery and unlawful assault and were bailed to face a children’s court, while
a 14-year-old boy from the Hobsons Bay area is expected to be charged on summons.
Investigators are continuing to search for a fifth person.
To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-victim-of-altona-meadows-machete-attack
