Shocking photographs reveal the devastating impact a severe illness has had on a young British tourist during what was meant to be a dream trip across Asia. Gavin Arulnayagam, a 24-year-old digital entrepreneur from Ilford in East London, is now fighting for his life in a Philippine hospital after contracting a rare and debilitating condition.
A Dream Holiday Turns Into a Medical Nightmare
Gavin was enjoying his travels in the Philippines when he picked up an infection. This infection tragically developed into Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nerves. The condition causes rapid-onset muscle weakness, often leading to paralysis. For Gavin, it has robbed him of his mobility and independence.
He is currently in intensive care, reliant on a ventilator to breathe, and undergoing constant, life-sustaining treatment. He is unable to swallow, walk, or even support his own neck. His family and girlfriend have flown out to be at his bedside, providing round-the-clock care as hospital resources are stretched thin.
Staggering Costs and a Family's Desperate Plea
The financial burden on Gavin's family is immense and escalating daily. Crucially, Gavin did not have travel insurance for his trip. The medical bills for his treatment are approximately £3,000 per day. Doctors have stated he will need to remain in hospital until he makes a full recovery, a process that could take many months.
Repatriation to the UK via a specialist medical flight has been quoted at an eye-watering £200,000 to £300,000, an impossible sum on top of the existing daily costs. Facing these "impossible" bills, his friend Salvador Sanchez, 21, who is also from London, has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of £100,000.
Friend's Heartbreaking Visit and Rallying Support
Salvador, who met Gavin while travelling last year, visited his friend in hospital in November. He described the scene as "horrible," saying Gavin was awake and recognised him but was in a terrible state. "He couldn't really move at all, and couldn't speak because he had a tube in his neck," Salvador told the Mirror, contrasting this with Gavin's usual, very social personality.
The fundraiser, set up to help Gavin's family manage the astronomical costs, has so far raised just under £13,000 of its £100,000 goal. The campaign highlights the critical importance of comprehensive travel insurance, especially for long-term trips and adventures abroad.
