🚨 “We just wanted to raise a little something…” 🚨 A kind-hearted man in Tasmania started a simple GoFundMe for 13-year-old hero Austin Appelbee — thinking maybe a small token to help the teen remember his incredible act of bravery forever.

Just a modest goal to say “thank you” to the boy who swam hours through rough seas to save his mum and siblings.

But the internet had other plans.

Donations exploded way beyond expectations — surging to tens of thousands in no time, with hundreds of strangers pouring in support from across Australia and beyond.

What started as a quiet gesture has turned into an overwhelming wave of generosity that no one saw coming.

This outpouring for a humble 13-year-old who’s still saying “I just did what I had to” is restoring faith in people everywhere. ❤️

How much has it reached now? And what will this mean for Austin and his family?

The story keeps getting bigger… scroll down for the full details on why the nation can’t stop talking about this young champion. 👇

What began as a low-key effort by a Tasmanian resident to honor a 13-year-old Western Australian boy’s extraordinary bravery has quickly snowballed into a major show of public support. James Bennett launched a GoFundMe campaign shortly after news broke of Austin Appelbee’s four-hour swim through rough ocean waters to alert rescuers that his mother and two younger siblings were stranded far offshore.

The fundraiser, titled “Austin Applebee a true champion,” was set up on behalf of Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, with an initial modest goal of $7,500. Bennett’s description emphasized the teen’s selflessness: “At just 13 years old, Austin Appelbee showed courage well beyond his years. When his family became stranded at sea, Austin didn’t hesitate. He swam for hours, through rough conditions, to get help and bring rescuers back to his mum and siblings.”

Bennett framed the page as a way to “help say thank you to a true young Aussie hero,” suggesting funds could go toward something special for Austin to remember the moment by—a keepsake or personal reward amid the whirlwind of attention.

The response, however, far exceeded the organizer’s expectations. Within days of launching in early February 2026, donations poured in from hundreds of contributors, pushing the total well beyond the original target. Reports from The West Australian indicated the campaign had already reached around $40,000, with more than 1,000 donors contributing by mid-February. Many left heartfelt messages praising Austin’s humility and resilience, with comments reflecting a widespread desire to recognize acts of everyday heroism.

The surge highlights how Austin’s story resonated deeply across Australia and internationally. On February 12, 2026—exactly one year after the incident that claimed James Bulger’s life in a different context, though unrelated—the Appelbee family had set out for what should have been a relaxing paddle in Geographe Bay near Quindalup. Strong winds and currents rapidly carried their inflatable paddleboards far from shore, separating them from safety.

Joanne Appelbee, 47, made the difficult choice to send Austin alone toward land in a leaking kayak after the group lost their oars and drifted dangerously far. When the kayak became unusable, Austin ditched it and his life jacket—which he felt hindered his progress—and swam approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to reach the beach. Exhausted upon arrival, he then ran another 2 kilometers to retrieve his mother’s phone and contact emergency services.

Rescuers from multiple agencies, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Water Police, local marine groups, and the RAC Rescue helicopter, located Joanne, 12-year-old Beau, and 8-year-old Grace after they had spent up to 10 hours clinging to the boards in cold, choppy waters. All were brought to safety unharmed beyond fatigue and exposure.

Austin was treated briefly for exhaustion and dehydration but recovered swiftly. In subsequent interviews with the BBC, ABC News, 9News, and others, he remained understated about his actions. “I didn’t think I was a hero—I just did what I did,” he told reporters. He credited motivation from happy memories, thoughts of family, and even childhood references like Thomas the Tank Engine to push through fear and fatigue. Rescuers and officials described his effort as “superhuman” given the conditions, distance, and his age.

The story captured global attention, appearing in outlets from CNN to international social media feeds. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and Facebook highlighted Austin’s modesty—he even mentioned recently failing a school swimming test requiring far less distance—contrasting sharply with his real-world performance.

Amid this wave of admiration, Bennett’s GoFundMe provided an outlet for tangible appreciation. Funds are directed straight to the Appelbee family via GoFundMe’s platform, with Bennett assuring transparency. Donors’ messages often expressed gratitude not just for the rescue but for the reminder of courage in young people. Some noted the campaign’s rapid growth as proof of community goodwill when a story strikes a chord.

The Appelbee family has expressed appreciation for the support while adjusting to the spotlight. Joanne has spoken of the emotional toll of the ordeal, including her fear during the wait for rescue and relief upon reunion. Austin, now back at school and occasionally using crutches for lingering soreness, has handled fame with the same calm demeanor that defined his actions at sea.

Experts have pointed to several factors enabling such endurance in a teenager: adrenaline-fueled resilience, mental focus techniques, and physical advantages like buoyancy in saltwater. The incident has also renewed conversations about water safety protocols, including the risks of inflatable devices in windy conditions and the value of carrying emergency beacons or communication devices.

Swimming Australia’s earlier reported interest in sponsoring Austin—potentially a multimillion-dollar package to develop his apparent natural talent—added another layer to the narrative, though no final confirmation has emerged on acceptance or details. Regardless, the GoFundMe stands as a grassroots complement, driven by ordinary Australians moved by an extraordinary act.

As donations continue to accumulate, the campaign underscores a broader theme: in an era of frequent negative headlines, stories of quiet heroism can unite people quickly and generously. For Austin Appelbee, the funds represent more than financial help—they symbolize national pride in a young person’s character.

The family has not publicly detailed plans for the money, but Bennett’s original intent—a special memento—remains at the core. Whether it becomes savings, gear for future pursuits, or something sentimental, the outpouring reflects deep community respect for a boy who stepped up when it mattered most.

Austin’s story continues to inspire, proving that true character often shines brightest in crisis. With the fundraiser’s unexpected success, it also shows how one modest gesture can spark a much larger response of kindness.