Will Ponter, 24, from Carnforth in Lancashire, has been told he could be paralysed from the neck down after breaking his neck while diving into a swimming pool in Turkey. The accident happened on Thursday, the final night of his holiday with his girlfriend, Becky Francey, 27.
Ponter underwent a "risky" 13-hour emergency surgery and remains in intensive care. Doctors have told the family that "he will be paralysed from the neck down", according to a GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Will and Becky's families.
Repatriation Costs and Insurance Gaps
Will's family, who are with him in Antalya, are trying to bring him home to England. They say medically staffed transport could cost around £120,000, and they are reportedly facing costs of £2,000 a day while he remains in intensive care in Turkey.
The family say they do not have the correct insurance to cover all the costs. They could also face significant bills for specialist equipment and adaptations to his home. The fundraiser said Becky has "spent all of her waking time coordinating with hospitals and insurance companies" in England.
Becky's Account of the Accident
Becky told the BBC: "We need to get him home, he's going to need special care. It's going to be a long road to recovery." Describing the moments after the accident, she said: "I was stood on the side as he jumped in, but he didn't come back up for a while, and when he did he was just floating face down." When she dived in and pulled him out of the pool, "he instantly said 'I can't move'", she added.
Family's Tribute and Fundraiser Progress
Will's mum, Julia Savege, described her son as a "larger-than-life character" who is "cheeky and full of fun". She said: "He and his partner Rebecca are so joyful together and we are very close as a family. We are lucky to have marvellous support from home, people holding music nights, quizzes and other fundraising events. Myself, his dad and Rebecca are here in Turkey with him and are confident that he is in good care. We can’t wait to have him home, back with the rest of the family and his large circle of friends who miss him so much."
At the time of reporting, the fundraiser has raised more than £92,000 - more than 60 per cent of its £150,000 target.
