A young British traveller is fighting for his life in a Philippine hospital after being struck down by a rare and devastating illness, with his family facing astronomical medical costs as he did not have travel insurance.
A Dream Trip Turns Into a Nightmare
Gavin Arulnayagam, a 24-year-old from Ilford, London, had been living the dream, travelling across Asia for the past 18 months. However, his adventure came to a terrifying halt in October when he suddenly developed Guillain-Barré syndrome while in the Philippines.
This rapid-onset autoimmune disorder attacks the nervous system, causing severe muscle weakness. Gavin's condition deteriorated quickly, and he now remains in intensive care, reliant on a ventilator to breathe.
Family's Heartbreak and Financial Strain
The medical crisis has been compounded by a severe financial one. Gavin did not have travel insurance, and his treatment is costing approximately £3,000 per day. His family and girlfriend are providing round-the-clock care at his bedside in shifts, but the bills are mounting relentlessly.
His friend, Salvador Sanchez, 21, who visited him in hospital on November 6, described the shocking scene. "Seeing him in that bed, it was horrible," Salvador told the Mirror. "He was awake, and he recognised me, but he was not in a great position. He couldn't really move at all, and couldn't speak because he had a tube in his neck."
The situation worsened earlier this month when Gavin suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital. Recent updates from his brother reveal he is still unable to swallow, walk, or even support his own neck.
A Desperate Appeal for Help
With the cost of a repatriation flight to the UK estimated at between £200,000 and £300,000, and daily hospital fees unsustainable, Gavin's loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise £100,000.
Doctors have explained there is no quick cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome; recovery depends on the body slowly healing itself with sustained medical support. "The only way he can recover is, quite simply, if he can stay in the hospital long enough for his body to recover naturally," Salvador explained.
The family is caring for him in shifts because the hospital's ICU resources are stretched. "His brother is doing the night shifts and then his girlfriend is doing the day shifts just to stay with him in case anything happens," Salvador said.
Describing Gavin as a "very social person," Salvador is determined to help his friend, stating this ordeal has been a "big wake up call" about the critical importance of travel insurance for all young people travelling abroad.
