The mother of a young British man who sustained life-threatening injuries in a serious collision in Thailand has made an emotional public appeal for financial assistance to help bring her son back to the United Kingdom 'before it's too late'. Tiger Duggan, aged 23, was critically hurt after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while riding a motorcycle on Sunday.
Critical Condition Following Devastating Crash
Tiger Duggan, who hails from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, was travelling with a friend after beginning his trip on January 16. The collision was so severe that he was initially feared dead at the scene. However, emergency responders managed to resuscitate him before transporting him to a small hospital on the island of Koh Samui.
On Friday, in a crucial development for his care, Tiger was transferred via a specialist medical plane to a major hospital in Bangkok. He remains in a critical condition, unconscious and dependent on a life-support machine. The transfer occurred on what was his 23rd birthday, with his mother Lisa and aunt Lena accompanying him on the flight.
Family's Desperate Appeal for Repatriation Funding
In a heartbreaking video update posted from her son's bedside in Bangkok, Lisa Duggan broke down in tears as she begged the public for support. 'I am begging you please help us, help us get this boy home, whichever way that may look,' she implored. 'Please reach deep into your pockets. Every penny counts.'
Turning directly to her unconscious son, she added: 'Ti we are rooting for you mate. We really are. Please help.' The family's ultimate goal is to have Tiger stabilised sufficiently to be medically evacuated back to the UK, but this requires substantial funding that they currently lack.
Insurance Complications and Urgent Financial Needs
Although Tiger did purchase travel insurance before his trip, the family has encountered significant complications. A spokesperson explained that while insurance exists, 'the process is lengthy and approvals can take time. Unfortunately, he cannot afford to wait, and this emergency transfer must happen immediately to give him the best possible chance.'
The family is now facing the daunting prospect of funding both his ongoing medical care in Thailand and his eventual repatriation to Britain. Tiger's father Kieron Duggan, a plumber, and younger brother River have now travelled separately to Bangkok to be with him. They emphasised: 'Tiger is now in Bangkok but we still need to get him home. As you could imagine the cost is going to be incredible.'
Community Rallying with Extraordinary Fundraising Response
A group of neonatal nurse colleagues of Lisa Duggan have established an online fundraising campaign that has demonstrated remarkable community solidarity. The appeal has already raised over £115,000, but the family requires thousands more to cover the substantial costs of medical evacuation and ongoing treatment.
Lisa's colleagues wrote on the fundraising page: 'Lisa is not just a colleague to us, she is a compassionate, dedicated nurse and a deeply caring person who gives so much of herself to others every single day. Now, her family needs that same care and kindness returned to them.'
They encouraged potential donors: 'Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Your kindness, love, and support mean more than we can put into words.'
Political Support and Community Vigil Planned
The family's plight has attracted attention at the highest levels of their local community. Milton Keynes Central Labour MP Emily Darlington expressed her shock and sadness, stating: 'I am shocked and saddened to hear about the devastating accident involving Tiger, a young man from our community who is now fighting for his life in Thailand.'
In a further show of community support, a vigil event has been organised in Milton Keynes for Saturday February 7. The gathering will take place at Gregories Drive, Wavendon Gate, between 8pm and 9pm, allowing friends, family and well-wishers to come together in solidarity.
Background: A Young Man Pursuing His Dreams
Tiger Duggan had moved from Milton Keynes to Perth, Western Australia, two years ago to begin what he described as a 'dream job' working for gold mining company Westgold Resources. His accident has cut short this exciting chapter in his life, leaving his family and friends desperately hoping for his recovery and safe return to British soil.
The situation remains extremely serious, with Tiger's condition described as critical but stable. His family continues to maintain a vigil at his bedside in Bangkok while simultaneously coordinating the complex logistics and substantial funding required for his eventual medical evacuation back to the United Kingdom.
