TV stars rally for attacked teenager

[-Kelly-]

TV stars rally for attacked teenager

From:

November 16, 2005

Attacked ... Lauren Huxley remains in a critical condition HOME and Away cast members have joined together to support one of their biggest fans as Lauren Huxley, the brave teenager whose plight has captured Sydney's heart.

A number of stars of the hit soap, including Indiana Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Rhys Wakefield and Jason Smith, yesterday sent their best wishes to the teenage assault victim.

They each sent signed photographs of themselves, wishing Lauren a speedy recovery.

Lauren remains unconscious and in a critical condition in Westmead hospital, six days after being attacked in her home, bound and gagged, and doused in petrol.

The 18-year-old, who suffered serious head injuries, was found by firefighters in the garage of her burning Northmead home, in Sydney's west.

A Channel 7 spokeswoman said the Home and Away cast had been touched by Lauren's plight.

The cast also support the Starlight Foundation and Make A Wish charities, which help young people in similar situations.

Lauren's 21-year-old sister Simone told The Daily Telegraph Lauren was a huge Home and Away fan.

"Her friends and I are making sure we tape every one of them so she can watch them when she's getting better," she said.

Another charity, Wigs 4 Kids, which provides wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness or cancer treatment, also offered help yesterday.

The charity will make Lauren a wig to replace her blonde hair she lost in hospital.

Wigs 4 Kids volunteer Karen Tandy told the US-based charity's bosses about Lauren's plight after reading in The Daily Telegraph that her head had been shaved.

Lauren's sister Simone said she was going to raise money for a wig to make Lauren feel better as she recovered.

But Ms Tandy said the Wigs 4 Kids donation would make that unnecessary. "They were more than happy to help," Simone said.

Police have appealed again for help. If you have any information, call Parramatta police on 96339633 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.

[ldscott]

that's terrible. i'm glad the cast are beening so supportive.

i can't believe a human being could do something so cruel. i ghope they find them and make them suffer in the same way as the victim.

[Ryan]

I'm never sure whether celebs do care about these things or whether they just want to get "good" publicity.

[Cat123]

That's a bit harsh!! I think it's sweet.

[c120701]

That's a bit harsh!! I think it's sweet.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But sadly true.

[Krazy Karl]

I reckon they care... but I doubt they organise it.

[Andy]

Most of the time, the publicist would of organised it.

And any quotes by the stars in the paper are usually not real quotes, just what the publicist told the paper that they said.

[ste]

I'm not sure I'd call sending out signed photos "rallying for attacked teenager". Don't they send out signed photos to loads of fans who write anyway?

[Dazacoulls]

Although its sad to say I have to agree I think they just do it for the publicity... If they'd really cared they'd go and see the poor girl or something like that...!!!

[encouraging_angels]

I think home and away people do care, they just seem like the type to care and yes i have written to them and some of them have replied even through the hectic scedual they are involved in