GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help Charlie Collard, victim of alleged taxi driver machete attack in Geraldton

A fundraiser has been launched to help the victim of a machete attack last month — allegedly at the hands of a Geraldton taxi driver — on his road to recovery.

Charlie Collard, 56, was allegedly attacked in the early hours of March 21 by taxi driver James Michael Greenup, with the slash to the neck with a machete cutting his jugular vein after an argument with the 51-year-old cabbie.

Lenelle Papertalk, the organiser of the GoFundMe page, said Mr Collard “got into a taxi intending to get home safely after a night out”.

“The serious injuries he sustained from this attack were life-threatening and he is very lucky to be alive,” she said.

Mr Collard underwent emergency surgery in Geraldton and was later flown to Perth, where he remained in a coma for a couple of days. He was discharged after about two weeks, but needs to stay in Perth for ongoing treatment.

His family are with him in Perth.

“This (the need to stay in Perth) has been and continues to be expensive, with accommodation, transport, medical expenses and many other costs that come from being displaced from home,” Ms Papertalk said. “We are hoping to get financial support to assist the family during this difficult time.”

More than $1300 of the $7000 goal has been raised so far.

A friend of Mr Collard called him a “good bloke with a gentle soul” wanting to get home after a day at the races.

In court last month, police said Mr Greenup — charged with causing grievous bodily harm — admitted driving the taxi at the time but denied the “bladed incident”.

Police said officers found a machete under his lounge at home and allege Mr Greenup armed himself with the machete when the argument started with Mr Collard, after other passengers were dropped off at a Beresford address.

The court was told Mr Collard was left “bleeding profusely” on the road.

Mr Greenup was released on bail and will be back in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on June 10.

To donate to Mr Collard’s recovery fund, click here.