UMVA has learned that a British man suffered a devastating injury while on holiday in France, leaving him with a huge medical bill and a long road to recovery.
Guy Evans, a 30-year-old copywriter from south London, 'obliterated' a vertebra in his spine when he fell off a ladder while staying at his father's holiday home in the Loire Valley, France, last month. The accident occurred just a day after he arrived at the home with his brother.
The fall, which happened while Guy was collecting broken branches from a tree, resulted in a broken C6 vertebra in his neck. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors told him he had 'very luckily' not severed his spinal cord, a injury that could have been life-ending.
Guy underwent two operations, which have enabled him to regain some movement in his arms and hands. However, he is still unable to walk and is currently undergoing intensive rehab at King's College Hospital in Camberwell, south London.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Guy's lack of insurance has left him with a hefty medical bill, prompting his brother to create a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs. The page has topped the £102,000 mark, with donations flooding in since it was launched at the beginning of May.
Guy has admitted that not getting insurance before the trip was 'foolish' and that the donations are needed because the bills are 'racking up' and 'go up every day'. His brother has explained that the funds will be used to pay for medical bills, repatriation, and supporting Guy's 'long road to recovery and beyond'.
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many people donating to help Guy. His brother has expressed gratitude for the donations, saying they are 'completely overwhelmed and so very very thankful'.
Guy's accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected events, especially when traveling abroad. His story has struck a chord with many, and the donations will go a long way in helping him recover and rebuild his life.
