Tributes and fundraiser for Luke Smidmore, 17, who died suddenly
THE unexpected death of a young surfer has spearheaded a fundraising campaign to help a community project and the Prince of Wales Hospital cardiac unit.
Wentworth Courier
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wentworth Courier. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE unexpected death of a young surfer has spearheaded a fundraising campaign to help a community project and the Prince of Wales Hospital cardiac unit.
A fundraising page was created to keep 17-year-old Luke Smidmore’s legacy alive after he “passed away in tragic and sudden circumstances” about a fortnight ago.
Already more than $16,400 has been donated and the family will decide later who the funds go to.
Tearful surfers paddled out at Bondi Beach on Sunday morning in a moving tribute to the teen surfer who was a member of the Bondi Boardriders club.
“Luke was a loved member of the club and will be sorely missed,” a club spokesman wrote on social media.
The popular young man’s parents Miranda and Justin Smidmore also paid tribute to their son, as well as many of his friends.
“Luke, my amazing, funny, clever, gorgeous biggest boy,” Mrs Smidmore wrote.
“I will miss you so, so much. Words cannot describe how proud I am of you and it is so unfair that you are gone so soon.
“I will love you forever.”
Luke’s cause of death will remain unknown until a coroner makes a final finding.
Photos of the Rose Bay Secondary College student show a young man with a confident smile who loved to spend time in the ocean catching waves.
Those who knew Luke are invited to celebrate his life on Thursday at 10am for a 10.30am ceremony at Rose Bay Secondary College gym and “Smiddys Oval” at 34a Hardy St, Rose Bay.
They will then head to the Bondi surf club.
A post on the GoFundMe donation page said: “We aim to keep his legacy alive, not just for him, but for our community where Luke’s heart and soul will always reside.
“Most importantly we would like to pay tribute to a fantastic young man that has left us far too soon.”
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/lukes-legacy – all funds will go to a “useful community project” yet to be confirmed and a donation will be made to the Prince of Wales Hospital cardiac unit.
Mayor targeted with threats, abuse over beach gym backlash
A Sydney mayor has allegedly been inundated with threats and online trolling after equipment was temporarily removed from Bondi Beach’s famous outdoor gym, with the council blaming “incorrect media reporting” for the pile-on.
Sydney Women’s Rugby: Meet 40+ stars on show in the finals
From international stars to rising young guns and those just happy to be alongside their besties, the Sydney Women’s Rugby finals has everyone covered. 40+ talents from all four divisions.