Bradley Belhomme, from Salford, suffered catastrophic head injuries in a collision with a coach while riding a moped on a lads' holiday in Zante, Greece, on July 3. His family has issued a major update: they may be able to bring him home as early as this weekend, but it requires a specialised repatriation medical flight costing over £40,000.
Details of the Crash and Injuries
Bradley flew to Zante on July 2 with friends and rented quads. The crash occurred while he was riding with another friend, who was also hospitalised. Bradley was initially treated in Zante before being transferred to an intensive care unit in Attica, Athens. Doctors have attempted to reduce his sedation and reliance on a ventilator but have been unsuccessful.
His mother, 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."
Repatriation Plans and Costs
Plans are in place to repatriate Bradley to Salford Royal Hospital, with agreement from the Greek hospital. However, the flight has been quoted at £41,000. 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." She has returned to Manchester to organise documents with the British Embassy.
Fundraising Efforts
An appeal on social media has raised funds for hospital bills and travel. An update 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." The family is pleading for further donations to cover the flight cost.
