Fundraiser for Bali drowning victim Jacob Vennix will bring him home, wife says
The heartbroken wife of a man who drowned while swimming in Bali intends to donate a defibrillator to the hospital where her husband was taken, using money from a fundraiser organised to support his family.
Jacob Vennix, 32, was honeymooning with his new wife Kimberley Fuller when he was swept away by the current at Pasut Beach, north-west of Kuta, on December 30.
The Adelaide man was taken to hospital in Tabanan, but authorities said he could not be saved.
In a social media post, Ms Fuller thanked “every kind human” who had offered condolences or donated to an online fundraiser set up to support her family.
“The money raised will help bring Jacob home and cover funeral expenses,” she said.
“I thought I booked travel insurance but I didn’t … and his life insurance lapsed so the money is greatly appreciated to help ease the pressure adjusting to life as a single mum with a mortgage.
“We also plan to buy a defibrillator for the hospital Jacob was taken to as they didn’t have one.”
Jacob Vennix and Kimberley Fuller were honeymooning in Bali when he died. File image. (Reuters: Johannes P. Christo)
According to the online fundraiser, which has so far raised more than $40,000, the couple met at a supermarket in February 2022, when Ms Fuller’s son was playing on a Guide Dogs donation box.
Two years later, they had a son who was born with a vision impairment and Mr Vennix went on to run in the City to Bay while blindfolded to raise money for Guide Dogs.
“He was an adoring husband and doting father who was looking forward to married life and a new career,” the fundraiser states.
It states he had recently resigned from his job to embark on a career in disability support, an area described as “close to his heart”.
“Kimberley is always there for others, lending a hand and offering support without hesitation,” it states.
“Kimberley is now confronted with the unforeseen challenge of saying goodbye to Jacob and adjusting to life as grieving single mother of two young boys.
“Kimberley is incredibly resilient and reluctantly has agreed for me to reach out to her friends and the community for some financial support.”
Safety message for swimmers
In her social media post, Ms Fuller also gave a warning about swimming safety.
“Please guys, if you’re not familiar with the conditions of the ocean, don’t be like me and assume if they say it’s ‘fine’ to swim in, assume it is,” she said.
“Other countries don’t have warning signs like us.”
She said her husband was “the most beautiful man who cared for so many”.
She had previously posted a tribute to Mr Vennix, describing him as “the most beautiful human, partner and father”.
Source – Indonesia News
