A FUNDRAISER for a family devastated by a deer attack has attracted huge support since being launched on Friday.
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His wife, Mandi, remains in a critical condition in the Alfred Hospital following the attack.
She has undergone lengthy surgeries.
Mr McDonald had entered the deer's enclosure and was attacked and his wife was critically injured when she tried to help.
Our world has been turned upside down and with mum being so sick it's up to us to look after things until she gets better
- Jemma McDonald
By 9pm on Friday, people had donated more than $19,000 to support the family.
Jemma said receiving news of the accident on Wednesday was "the worst phone call a daughter could ever possibly receive".
"Mum and Dad were involved in a freak accident and Ethan and I lost our dad," she said on the GoFundMe page.
"Mum was critically injured and is now fighting for her life in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
"Our world has been turned upside down and with mum being so sick it's up to us to look after things until she gets better.
"I never thought I would ever have to do this and it's the hardest journey Ethan and I have ever been on."
Her mother underwent eight hours of surgery on the day of the incident, followed by further treatment on Thursday.
She remains in a critical condition.
"We continue to hope and pray that Mum will keep fighting," her daughter wrote on social media.
"She is the strongest person I know.
"Please keep us all in your thoughts."
Dozens of people expressed support for the family and said they hoped Ms McDonald would make a full recovery.
Police euthanised the pet after attending the Moyhu property.
"The amount of love and support we have received has been very overwhelming for us but we appreciate it all and we will get back to everyone when we feel that we can," Jemma said.
"Right now we need to focus everything we've got into mum's recovery."
