GENEROUS residents have donated thousands of dollars to a Clunes truck driver whose life unravelled after he hit and killed a young man near Colac last year.
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Brian Duff and his wife Ann said they had been touched by the outpouring of support since The Courier revealed their story earlier this month.
Mr Duff, 55, has suffered severe post traumatic stress disorder since the accident on February 4, 2014, when his truck hit and killed a young farm hand who had been crossing the Timboon-Colac Road on a quad bike.
He has also battled extreme anxiety and depression, while the financial strain has been dire due to strict WorkCover regulations.
But residents, such as Creswick publican Eddie Koene, have lessened the Duffs’ financial strain, donating thousands to the grateful couple.
Mr Koene’s hotel, the Farmers Arms Hotel in Creswick, held a fundraiser on Friday night, raising more than $2500 to be given to the
Duffs.
Mr Koene said his patrons had been touched by the couple’s plight, and wanted to help out.
“It was a great night had by all and a pretty successful result,” he said.
“Some of Brian’s family were there and one of them gave a bit of a talk at the start of the night, just outlining what they had been through.
“Hopefully, we can help them out a bit.”
Others in the community have also dug deep to help the Duffs after reading their story.
Countless individuals have donated money, including a 90-year-old man who caught a bus to The Courier’s office to drop off a $1000 cheque.
“This story just really got to me,” the man, who didn’t want to be named, said.
“To think that this poor bugger was just doing his job, and now his life is ruined ... it’s a devastating story.”
Anyone wishing to help the Duffs can contact this reporter on 5320 1248 or email
patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au