Fund set up for baby daughter of All Black Jerry Collins as she fights for life

A fund has been set up for the baby daughter of a former All Black and his wife after both were killed in a car crash. Jerry Collins (pictured), who played for the All Blacks 48 times, captaining them in three matches, was killed alongside Alana Madill after a bus hit their car in southern France on Friday. Their four-month-old daughter Ayla suffered serious head injuries and remains in a serious condition in a Montpellier hospital. New Zealand entrepreneur Derek Handley has set up a fundraising page to raise money for the little girl, which has so far raised NZ$9,000 (approximately $6,500).

The idea of Ayla growing up without both her parents immediately made me want to do something to inspire New Zealanders and rugby fans around the world to rally in some small way.

New Zealand entrepreneur Derek Handley

On the fundraising page, Mr Handley wrote that he had no connection to Collins’ family but was “like most New Zealanders, a passionate All Blacks fan and loved watching Jerry play both for the Hurricanes and our country”. The fundraiser was set up through Mr Handley’s Aera Foundation charity. His post said any money raised would be put into a trust for Ayla for “whatever she might need in life as she grows up”. He added: “Jerry was only 34. Life is fragile. Let’s all be good to each other.” Mr Collins’ agent Tim Castles said two France-based All Blacks, Neemia Tialata and his wife Sally, and Chris Masoe and his wife Jenny, had been at the hospital and had also seen Mr Collins’ body. His father Frank told New Zealand’s Herald on Sunday that the support from people “all over the world” had been “humbling” .

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