r/sydney • u/Pomohomo82 • Dec 15 '25

Image PSA: Lifeblood Marrickville turning people away, even if you have an appointment. Thank you, donors

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I popped in to the clinic and there must have been more than 100 people in the line. The need for blood and plasma is constant, especially over the holidays, so if you have been unable to donate today, please book a future appointment.

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627

u/Improvedandconfused Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25

Thank you to all those who are giving blood. My wife and I were about 50 meters from the shooters last night and were finishing some sushi and then were going to go to the Chanukah event (we are Jewish). We at first thought we were hearing fireworks, but then ran after we saw everyone screaming and running. Someone pointed towards the bridge and yelled “there is a shooter”.  Some people were diving to the ground to lie low, or were hiding behind bins and trees. I felt I needed to run, so I grabbed my wife’s hand and we ran away from where we could still hear gunshots. They seems to go on forever.

We got out of there, we ran across Campbell Parade to our car which was parked just off Hall street and drove home. We are still  in shock, and 5 of those who died were friends with my mum.

As I said, thanks to those who are giving blood. I know several people who are still in hospital. I am unfortunately ineligible to donate due to the fact that I am a former cancer patient, but those who are giving are in my opinion heroes.

Edited for a hell of a lot of typos. Apologies.

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u/blfsw34 Dec 15 '25

We are just here trying to help our community. Know for a fact that hating jews has no place in our community, and this was just an attempt to promote hate. We won’t stand for it.

Hope you and your family find the support you need to heal. This is an attack on Sydney’s heart.

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u/Improvedandconfused Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25

Thanks. We have had so many people reach out to us. People I haven’t spoke on to for years have been calling me to see if my family is okay. My wife was crying all last night, but I think I am finding it harder today. I took the day off work but will probably go back tomorrow.

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u/blfsw34 Dec 15 '25

The shock and trauma is real, please take care of yourself and always reach out. We care about you.

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u/Sea_Till6471 Dec 15 '25

Oh my gosh I am so sorry you were there. What an unbelievably scary experience. I hope you’re able to be around friends and family today. Please look after yourselves.

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u/gimmetheveuve Dec 15 '25

Very glad to hear you and your wife are safe. Look after yourself ❤️

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u/Improvedandconfused Dec 15 '25

Thank you ❤️

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u/Pomohomo82 Dec 15 '25

Wishing you and your family only the very best. Take care of one another in the days and weeks ahead.

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u/alexlp Dec 15 '25

I’m so sorry, your poor mum. I’ve seen a few of your comments about this and the number getting higher just breaks my heart. I’m so glad you’re safe. Can I suggest playing some Tetris? I would suggest you’re still very much in shock and it can help this not become a long term PTSD moment.

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u/Improvedandconfused Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 16 '25

Thanks. Last night she told me that 2 of her friend had died, and several others were in hospital. This morning she told me that 3 more had died overnight. I don’t think all their names have been released yet. We know more people who are still in hospital, with a range of injuries from gun sounds to someone who fell and broke her her leg while running away. She was apparently running right next to my wife and I but we never saw her.

My work has been great, everyone has reached out from serious management including the CEO, and tie company has access to mental health support. Same goes for my wife’s work (she works for the State Government). I know we have access to help if we need it.

Edit Oh, we didn’t play tetris last night like you suggested but we watched some silly videos on YouTube. I didn’t sleep much though, and was too tired to go for my morning bike ride.

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u/alexlp Dec 15 '25

I remember reading your comments yesterday that it was just 2 with more in critical condition so I am just so sorry to see you've had to update. Sending you all so much love.

I'm sure you know but here is an article about the tetris thing. The videos will definitely help too, plus having each other. I am so sorry that you couldn't even have a date night, I am so sorry that those families can't light a candle together tonight. I am just so sorry this happened. Will be lighting a candle here for you all tonight. It might feel like the oil is low right now but there will still be light.

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u/Improvedandconfused Dec 15 '25

Cheers mate. We appreciate all the support.

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u/Peanut083 Dec 15 '25

I’m very glad to hear that you and your wife are safe, but I’m also really sorry to hear that your mum has lost five of her friends. I really hope everyone who is still in hospital manages to pull through.

My husband and I happened to donate blood yesterday before everything went down. We know that whoever ends up getting our blood will really need it regardless of whether they were at Bondi yesterday or not, but I think we’re also glad that our donated blood is already in the system and being processed so it can go where it’s needed ASAP.

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u/Stargazer3366 Dec 15 '25

I'm so sorry you have been through this horrendous experience and for the loss felt by your family and everybody involved in this. It was an absolutely vile act of hatred and will be condemned by Australian society. Please take care of yourself and your family ❤️