Thanks to viewers of  The Project, a farming family from NSW who have been severely affected by the drought have a reason to smile again.

The Jerry family, who run a wool and cattle property near Coonabarabran in central NSW appeared on Sunday night’s episode of the program which outlined their struggle to survive as they enter their third year of drought.

The emotional story was retold by Hamish Macdonald, who met with the family at their farm only to discover that they’re on the verge of breaking down.

“Mentally and the stress of it, it’s just, I’m not sleeping properly at night, waking up and trying to work out a way to get through,” Greg Jerry told Macdonald.

Currently, the family are having to fork out $12,000 a month in order for their animals to survive, but as the drought continues, the Jerry’s don’t think they have much longer.

After the segment had aired, Macdonald told viewers that although the Jerry’s were overjoyed by the media coverage of the drought last year, they now feel like they’ve been forgotten.

“They said, ‘We feel like everyone looked at us for a week, maybe a month, and then they forgot and just moved on with their lives’,” said Macdonald. “The journalists came, the politicians followed and then we all disappeared and just left them to it.”

Macdonald then requested for people to donate to the Jerry family via a Go Fund Me page named Hungry Cobber Drought Relief.

And before the show ended, Macdonald was clearly taken aback by the generosity of viewers at home, as donations were continuously streaming in since the story had been aired 15 mins earlier.

“I’ve got to say I’m a little bit surprised at this,” said Macdonald. “Apparently the Go Fund Me page was at $2000 as that story went to air. It’s now sitting just shy of $130,000!”

Less than an hour later, over $200,000 had been raised, with all proceeds going directly to the Jerry’s to cover the operating expenses of the farm.

The family friends of the Jerry’s who set up the page released a statement shortly after thanking everyone for their support.

“I’d like to pass on our sincerest thanks to all of you who have supported us this evening. This response is overwhelming and such a huge relief. Thanks doesn’t convey the depth of our appreciation.

“As well as your amazing donations, we’ll never forget the messages of support below – you’ve made us realise that we are not as alone, even in barest of paddocks. Thank you.”