Help Juan on the road to recovery 🌊

Many of you may know Juan as the friendly guy who approaches everyone for a chat at the surf or in town. Those of you who have been around for long enough may have tried his mighty arepas or his decadent churros in town. He has been a Raglan resident for over 13 years and he is an avid surfer, skater and quite a comedian.

Juan was involved in a life threatening accident on Saturday morning while surfing outsides. He hit a rock and had to be escorted out of the water by several other surfers who made sure he made it back to shore safely. He then had to be airlifted to Waikato Hospital where he now is waiting to have his operation. Juan suffered a lower back fracture that has left him in agony and in need of urgent surgery.

Those of you who have interacted with Juan will know of his kind nature and his immense and contagious energy. He has a lifetime passion for sports and nature. Juan is in safe hands but the road to recovery will be long. We need your help to ensure he gets the best rehab, gear and care that he needs to make the best recovery possible and so he can get back to being the middle aged grom that we all know. Every little bit counts. On behalf of Juan, Maria and Rita thank you to anyone who can give a little. The Gomez family wants you to know that any leftover funds will be donated to the Westpac Helicopter Charity.