EastEnders actor Jake Wood has appealed to fans to help raise money for a BBC colleague who was left in a coma and requiring multiple emergency surgeries after a fall. Connor, who works on the Albert Square set as an electrician, was holidaying over Christmas in Colombia when he fell from the roof of an 11-storey building. A fundraising page has been set up to ensure he continues to receive essential medical treatment.
Jake, who plays Max Branning in the soap, described Connor as a 'top man' and 'respected by everyone who works at the studios' as he shared the new GoFundMe page on his Instagram account. 'It's a miracle that he has survived,' he told his 193,000 followers. 'He has a family and his mum has flown out to be with him. Here is the link to a GoFundMe page that has been set up in his name as money is desperately needed to pay for medical bills and to hopefully get him home.'
As of midday on Tuesday, December 6, the page had raised £22,800 of its £26,000 target. The list of donors included Jake, who has donated £200, as well as names including Gillian Taylforth and Emma Barton, both giving £100, and Jacqueline Osborne adding a further £200. Adam Woodyatt is also listed as giving £100, as is Francesca Henry.
Page organiser Victoria Dean explained that Connor's family were unsure whether his travel insurance would cover the growing medical bills. 'Whilst travelling in Colombia over Christmas, Connor was admitted to hospital following a fall from the 11th storey. Connor has undergone multiple life-saving procedures and is currently in ICU in critical condition in Colombia,' she wrote. She also said there was uncertainty surrounding the time it would take for his insurance to pay out, and asked 'those who know Con, if they can help in any way, no matter how small, to cover medical bills to ensure he gets the vital treatment that he needs and for specialist transport back to the UK once he is medically fit enough to travel.'
An update on January 2 revealed that Connor spent nine days in a coma but was 'off of medical ventilation and breathing with minimal support', adding that he was still in ICU and under light medical sedation 'but aware that Denise is there and is responding to her'. 'He was due to have another surgery today,' the post continued, 'but this has been delayed and we are hoping to get a date for next week. Thank you so much for all of your support, it really means the world to all of us. Love from Denise & family Xxxx.'
