By TDN_Europe
A Gofundme fundraiser for the family of the late Australian jockey Dean Holland was launched within 24 hours of the jockey's death and, at the time of writing, it has raised over A$500,000 for Holland's wife Lucy, and their four children.
The page was created by Tony Ottobre in Victoria, who made a personal donation of A$100,000, and overnight and into Tuesday it had attracted over 2000 donations. Dean Holland died as a result of his injuries from a fall on Monday afternoon at Donald. His death has incurred widespread grief across the racing industry.
On Tuesday, Racing Victoria released a statement on behalf of the Holland family, in particular from his partner Lucy and his parents, Belinda and Darren Holland.
“Grief is completely overwhelming us after losing our beloved Dean yesterday at Donald races,” the statement read. “We are aware of the thousands who are sharing our pain as we come to the reality we have lost a once-in-a-lifetime person, a much-loved partner, an amazing father of four beautiful young children in Harley, Luca, Frankie and Lily, as well as a special brother and a wonderful son.
“The outpouring of love for Dean and the care and support for us is helping us deal with our loss. We are thinking of Dean's colleagues in the jockeys' rooms, as well all in our industry that he loved so much.”
The statement requested privacy as the Holland family comes to terms with its loss and, in the meanwhile, Racing Victoria has pledged A$100,000 to the fundraising effort, with all money raised eventually going into a trust to support the family.
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