A 24-year-old British ski instructor is fighting to recover after a devastating fall in the French Alps left him with severe brain and spinal injuries. Ben Clubb, from Eye in Suffolk, was injured while skiing in Courchevel on December 21. He was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital, where he remained in an induced coma until the New Year.
Ben has since shown remarkable progress, breathing with minimal oxygen support and moving all four limbs. He can respond to simple requests, such as squeezing a hand or blinking for yes or no. However, his cognitive recovery is just beginning, and the full extent of his injuries is still unknown.
His spinal fracture is stable and does not require further intervention, but his family faces a daunting challenge. Ben's insurance does not fully cover repatriation to the UK or the specialist rehabilitation and equipment he will need. A GoFundMe appeal, launched by family friend Helen Walker, has already raised over £13,000 towards a £16,000 target.
“Until now, we’ve sent love and support through his close family and his girlfriend, Ella. Now, Ben needs more than good wishes—he needs our help to get him home and start specialist rehabilitation,” Walker said. The funds will also help provide essential equipment for his recovery.
Ben, a former snowsports coach at Loughborough University, has shown “incredible strength and determination” according to his family. Nearly 350 donations have been made so far. The appeal can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-ben-home-and-support-his-recovery.
