Ardi Balliu, a 27-year-old construction worker from Northampton, is fighting for his life after breaking his spine in a diving accident while on holiday in Marbella, Spain. He was visiting the scenic Calo d'es Moro cove in Santanyi, Mallorca, when he dived head-first into the water and failed to resurface.
Friend's panic and rescue
Balliu's friend, who was with him at the beauty spot, cried out for help as the 27-year-old did not come back up. Other bathers assisted in lifting him from the water and carrying him to the beach, where Balliu told the group he could not feel his legs. He was then airlifted to a hospital.
Critical condition and paralysis
Balliu is currently on life support and unconscious, according to his cousin Ingrid Kaca. He fractured his C1 vertebrae and four other parts of his spine. Doctors have told the family he will never walk again and faces a high chance of full paralysis. He is heavily medicated and unable to breathe on his own.
Family fundraising and support
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical bills and future care, including home adaptation and transport back to the UK. As of now, £34,000 has been donated. Kaca said, "The response has so far been incredible." Many family members and friends have traveled to Mallorca to be by Balliu's side.
Long road ahead
Doctors are waiting for the drugs to leave Balliu's system before assessing his ability to breathe independently and whether he can undergo surgery to insert a breathing tube. Kaca described Balliu as "the life of the party," an active and caring individual who loves fitness and travel. The family is devastated and focused on supporting him through his recovery.
