A Chilliwack man remains in critical condition at Royal Columbian Hospital, following a serious biking accident at the Fairfield Island bike park.
Now, his extended family is fundraising to help his wife and children get through the next little while. They're also pushing for eligible donors to give blood.
James Murphy was at the park with his family when he was involved in a mountain bike accident on Sept. 7. Murphy experienced blunt force trauma to his abdomen, severing his renal artery attached to his left kidney, a family member said.
"Jim was rushed by ambulance to the Chilliwack ER where they did an amazing job of trying to stabilize him," said Mike Chamberlin, Murphy's brother in law.
"With the massive blood loss, Jim depleted the blood supplies from Chilliwack and Abbotsford blood banks. In order to secure Jim’s survival he was rushed to RCH."
Murphy remained in critical condition on Monday, and many people who know the family have been forwarding funds to an account set up for them.
But the experience also has them asking for another kind of donation.
"The family asks that if anyone wishes to help show supports they can do so by giving blood at your local blood donor clinic," Chamberlin said.
For those who want to donate to the family financially, an account has been set up at Envision Credit Union, account #3294618. They are also accepting e-transfers to mikechamberlin@hotmail.com.
"The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support in this tragic time," Chamberlin said.
Where to give blood:
The next local blood donor clinic is on Sept. 28 at Tzeachten First Nation at 45855 Promontory, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For more on how to give blood, and where, visit www.blood.ca.