Thom Longhurst donated blood and wanted others to do the same. Photo: Longhurst family.
CONTENT WARNING: This story discusses suicide.
Family and friends of 21-year-old Thom Longhurst of Goulburn who died unexpectedly in January will honour him on Friday by donating blood.
They are urging other people to join them in donating blood, the gift of life for so many other people. The donations have been organised to mark what would have been Thom’s 22nd birthday and fulfil his wish that people become blood and organ donors.
“Our beautiful Thom tragically took his own life on the 21 January 2026, at his home in Run-O-Waters,” Thom’s sister Sarah Yeo said.
His only sibling, Sarah said Thom was a charitable, humble young man who wanted to give to other people, and donated blood as regularly as he could. He also was a listed organ donor.
“He loved to watch sport,” she said. “He was a passionate Cronulla Sharks fan; he went to a lot of the games with his friends,” Sarah said. “He followed every type of sport you could think of.”
A former Trinity College student, Thom was an apprentice electrician with JDY Electrical and was engrossed in studies at the time of his death.
“JDY considered him part of the family,” Sarah said. “He had two jobs; he had been at Target store for several years, working there after he finished his work as an electrician and on weekends.
“He was a bit of a joker. He really had a presence in a room,” she said.
“We had lots of holidays together. Our recent one was at Christmas. He would play on the slip and slide with my daughters Poppy, 4, and Alice, 2. He loved those girls. He was just the best uncle,” she said.
Thom Longhurst playing with his two-year-old niece, Poppy. Photo: Longhurst family.
Thom and Sarah’s family always had border collies. “Thom absolutely adored his border collie, Leo,” his sister said.
Friday will be the launch of “Do It for Thom”, a community blood and plasma donation team set up to save lives in his memory. People wanting to support the drive can donate at any donor centre, with donations tracked online. His family is also using the day to shine a spotlight on mental health.
The donations will take place at Goulburn Blood Donor Centre at 183-187 Auburn St, Goulburn.
Lifeblood spokesman Mitch Bryce said donating blood was an easy way to help save lives, with every donation helping three patients in need.
“Donating is a meaningful way to honour Thom’s life, and continue his work helping to help save the lives of others,” he said.
“Thom showed generosity in his life, having donated seven times and helping save 21 others including cancer patients, those in trauma and emergency, and new mothers and babies.
“We’d urge people who may have been thinking about donating to be brave and join Do it for Thom. ”
Thom’s family has also raised more than $7000 for the Black Dog Institute – In memory of Thomas Longhurst.
People wanting to donate can register and book a donation by calling 13 14 95 or visiting lifeblood.com.au.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.auMensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
