It was meant to be a relaxing bike ride — a routine loop from the local pool back home to Kangaroo Point, crossing the Story Bridge. But in a split second, that familiar journey turned into a life-altering event for Senior Sergeant Andrew Pool. A collision with a pedestrian on the bridge’s shared pathway left the veteran police officer with a traumatic brain injury, kicking off a medical ordeal that has stretched over nine months and changed the course of his life forever.
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Now, a community-driven GoFundMe campaign is rallying support for Pool — affectionately known as “Pooly” — to help him continue his long and challenging road to recovery.
A respected member of the Queensland Police Service for more than 30 years, Pool dedicated much of his career to serving in northern Queensland, including work in First Nations communities. More recently, he had transferred to Brisbane’s Domestic and Family Violence Unit, where he supported some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
Following the accident, he spent ten weeks in a coma, underwent multiple procedures, and remains in hospital undergoing intensive rehabilitation. With limited mobility and reliant on a wheelchair, he now faces months — if not years — of ongoing therapy and support.
To ease the growing costs of care, the fundraiser aims to provide a modified electric vehicle so Pool can travel to outpatient appointments and regain a sense of independence.
“We’re raising funds for an electric vehicle (to be modified to Pooly’s needs) to ease the financial burden of transport and fuel costs. If we exceed our goal, any extra funds will go towards modified furniture and other equipment not otherwise covered and will directly support Pooly’s continued recovery,” wrote his wife Bronte, who co-organises the campaign.
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The response so far has reflected the impact Pool made throughout his career. Former colleagues, community members, and the Queensland Police Union have all stepped up to offer support — financial and emotional — in recognition of a man who gave so much to others.
The campaign offers a chance to give back to someone who stood by others in their hardest moments. To help support Pooly’s recovery journey, visit the GoFundMe page and share his story.
Published 10-April-2025
