A British tourist is fighting for his life after diving head-first into the sea in Marbella, Spain, and breaking his spine. Ardi Balliu, 27, from Northampton, was on holiday when the accident occurred at the popular Calo d’es Moro beach in Santanyi, Mallorca.
Accident details
Balliu dived into the water and failed to resurface. His friend screamed for help, and other swimmers pulled him to shore. Balliu told them he could not feel his legs. He was airlifted to hospital.
Medical condition
Balliu is in critical condition on life support, unable to breathe on his own. Doctors say he will never walk again and may be fully paralysed. He broke his C1 vertebra and four other parts of his spine.
Family response
His cousin Ingrid Kaca said: 'He is currently in a critical state, he is on life support as he is unable to breathe by himself. We have been told that he is going to never be able to walk again and with a high chance that he will be fully paralysed.'
She added: 'He is an amazing and loving individual – a supportive friend and family member. Ardi loves to travel and explore different places and loves to have fun. He is the life of the party.'
Fundraising
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical bills and future care, including home adaptation. So far, £34,000 has been raised. Kaca said: 'The money will be to help with the medical bills as they will need to transport him to the UK. The funds will also support future care.'
Doctors are waiting for drugs to leave Balliu's system before assessing his ability to breathe alone and whether he can undergo surgery to insert a breathing tube.
