A British tourist is stranded in Bali after suffering a broken neck and back in a horrific motorbike crash. Andrew Patterson, 29, a tree surgeon from Omagh, Northern Ireland, who has been living in Melbourne, Australia since 2024, was on a long weekend break with a friend when the accident occurred.
The Crash
The incident took place on Sunday evening in Canggu, on the southwest coast of Bali. The two men were riding separate hired motorbikes when Andrew misjudged a corner. The force of braking threw him over the handlebars and into a road sign.
Injuries Sustained
Andrew sustained severe cuts across his face, a shattered cheek and eye socket, and a broken nose. He also has lacerations on his left hand that require skin grafts. Additionally, he fractured cervical vertebrae in his neck and a thoracic vertebra in his middle back. Fortunately, surgery on his spine is not needed, but recovery will be lengthy.
Family's Response
His sister, Andrea Marsella, 41, from Omagh, said: "From what we have been told, when he approached a corner he didn't realise it was so tight and was flung off when braking. Because he hit a road sign, he has suffered significant skull and facial trauma which requires reconstructive surgery and skin grafts. He has also injured his left hand, which will need skin graft surgery, and he has also fractured a vertebrae in his neck and middle back. Luckily, he doesn't need surgery on his back and neck, but it will be a long recovery process."
Andrea added: "At the moment, we are facing a lot of uncertainty. He loves the outdoors and being active, so this has come as a huge shock to everyone who knows him. It's absolutely heart-breaking seeing him in so much pain and go through this trauma so far from home."
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover emergency medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and potentially bringing Andrew back to the UK once he is stable. His brother-in-law, Neil Moody, 48, is flying out to be by his side and assess the situation.
Andrea concluded: "We are just so happy he is alive, as of course it could have been a lot worse. Andrew is happy he hasn't lost movement after breaking his neck and back, but it is now a long road to recovery for him. As you can imagine, the costs are already mounting including emergency medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and potentially bringing Andrew home safely once he is stable. We are still trying to understand how much it will all cost but we know it will be significant given the amount paid to the hospital for his scans and care. We're asking for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time. Andrew is a much-loved brother, son, uncle and loyal and genuine friend."
