A Birmingham father fighting for his life in a Thailand hospital has shown 'small improvements', but his family say they feel 'devastated' by a 'lack of support' from the UK Government.
Ethan Lacey, from Castle Vale, has been hospitalised for nearly a month after falling from a moving pickup truck at a busy Pattaya intersection on May 16. The vehicle's rear wheel reportedly went over the 20-year-old's head, leaving him with catastrophic injuries.
Family provides updates on GoFundMe
His loved ones have been providing regular health updates on a GoFundMe fundraiser, launched to 'bring Ethan home' and help with mounting medical bills. In a recent update, his family said Ethan had a 'good day', despite remaining in a 'life-threatening condition'.
He was battling an infection, with his heart rate 'still going high at times' but 'thankfully not very often'. Ethan was able to move his mouth, which they described as 'a really positive moment'.
'The fact he's still here is nothing short of a miracle,' they said. 'He continues to show incredible strength every single day.'
Family expresses frustration over UK Government support
But his family also expressed frustration over an alleged lack of support from the UK Government and called on officials to help bring Ethan home. They said: 'From where we stand, it feels like those who could help are not interested in doing so. It feels like they're happy to leave him where he is. As a family, we're extremely upset by this.'
'They seem to think that because Ethan is off life support, he is somehow 'okay'. That is simply not the case. Everyone knows that when life support was removed, doctors believed there was nothing more they could do and expected him to pass away. Instead, Ethan has continued to fight against all odds.'
His family claimed they had received a communication from the Foreign Office saying it could not pay the medical bills or arrange a hospital transfer.
MP Paulette Hamilton describes situation as 'heartbreaking'
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton described the situation as 'heartbreaking'. In a statement issued to BirminghamLive, she said: 'The situation facing Ethan Lacey and his family is heartbreaking. They're enduring an unimaginable ordeal at an incredibly difficult time.'
'I am in regular contact with both the family and the FCDO. I will continue to press for the urgent support and assistance that Ethan and his loved ones need. My thoughts are with them as they navigate this deeply challenging situation.'
The GoFundMe page remains active as supporters continue to contribute towards Ethan's care and medical bills. It has raised more than £18,400 so far. BirminghamLive has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
