Bradley Belhomme, a 20-year-old from Salford, remains in intensive care on a ventilator in Greece after sustaining serious injuries in a quad bike crash on the island of Zante. His mother, Leanne Rabbetts, has said that plans are being made to repatriate him to the UK, potentially as early as this weekend, but the specialized medical flight will cost more than £40,000.
Details of the Crash and Hospitalization
Bradley flew to Zante with a group of friends on July 2. The following day, the group rented quad bikes. According to his family, Bradley's quad bike collided with a coach. A friend who was also on the bike was taken to hospital, while Bradley suffered serious injuries. He was initially treated at a hospital in Zante before being transferred to an intensive care unit in Attica, Athens.
Over the past week, doctors have attempted to reduce Bradley's sedation and reliance on a ventilator, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. His mother reported that he has also developed pneumonia.
Repatriation Efforts and Costs
Leanne Rabbetts said: "We've had another update from the hospital. He still hasn't woken up. They've tried to pull him out but he still isn't breathing on his own. This morning, they have tried to reduce Bradley's sedation to wake him up again. He has also now got pneumonia."
The family has been quoted £41,000 for a private air ambulance flight to bring Bradley back to Salford Royal Hospital. Leanne explained: "Because he's still on a ventilator, he has to have the private air ambulance with the medics. We don't think he will have been insured because he was on the quad bike. I've come home to go through all the documents and sort through it with the British Embassy. It's just about getting him home now so he can be cared for over here, and we have to fund that ourselves."
Community Support and Fundraising
Friends and the local community have organized fundraising events and walks to help cover hospital bills and travel costs. An update on the fundraising page on Thursday stated: "Athens Hospital ICU have said it is in Bradley’s best interest to fly home but as you are all aware this costs more money we have to find another 12,000 pounds to reach our new target. We are pleading if possible we can all together help as I know you all amazing people have been doing so... we would be forever grateful."
