PLEASE HELP BRING OUR JOE 'FISH' HOME!!

*There is also a Go Fund Me page for Jo and his Family here: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/the-clark039s-joe-fish-needs-our-help

Wairarapa born Joseph (Joe or Fish) paku-Clark unexpectedly collapsed at his home in Shanghai, China, last November because of a brain hemorrhage. He was found by his 17-year-old daughter on the kitchen floor.

He was rushed to Zhongshan Hospital, had emergency brain surgery that night and has been fighting for his life since. We’re extremely grateful to the amazing medical teams who are looking after him.

After nearly three months, Joe is now in a different hospital which focuses on rehabilitation. He is still on a ventilator although recently they’re giving him time off it daily to encourage his independent breathing. Currently he will go up to five hours breathing unassisted.

Joe has made enough progress that he and his whānau can safely journey home. However, because this is an emergency evacuation flight, complicated even further with COVID-19, the cost of bringing Joe home is expected to be about $350,000.

Joe, his wife Jodie and their four children (aged 8 – 17), have been living overseas for the last 15 years. They’re well known among the expat and Hillsong Church communities for their lively nature, generosity and kindness.

The last few months has been a stressful time for their whānau in New Zealand who have been unable to join Jodie in China due to travel restrictions. We’re asking for the community to tautoko us in this stressful time and #helpbringjoehome.

Joe’s father Phil Clark is the Manager and has worked for Carpet Court in Masterton for more than 36 years, and his mother Mereana Paku regularly volunteers for the Golden Shears and at the local Salvation Army.