The family of Bradley Belhomme, the 20-year-old from Salford who remains in a coma following a quad bike crash in Greece, has provided a significant update on his condition and the efforts to bring him home.
Current Medical Condition
Bradley is still on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Attica, Athens, after being transferred from Zante. His mother, Leanne Rabbetts, confirmed that doctors have attempted to reduce his sedation and wean him off the ventilator, but these attempts have been unsuccessful. He has also developed pneumonia.
“We've had another update from the hospital. He still hasn't woken up. They've tried to pull him out but he still isn't breathing on his own. This morning, they have tried to reduce Bradley's sedation to wake him up again. He has also now got pneumonia,” Leanne said.
Repatriation Plans and Costs
The family is now working to repatriate Bradley to Salford Royal Hospital. The Greek hospital has agreed to the transfer, but the cost of a specialised medical repatriation flight is quoted at £41,000. Because Bradley remains on a ventilator, a private air ambulance with medics is required. The family believes he was not insured for the quad bike activity.
“I've come home to go through all the documents and sort through it with the British Embassy. It's just about getting him home now so he can be cared for over here, and we have to fund that ourselves,” Leanne explained.
Community Fundraising Efforts
Friends and the local community have rallied to support the family. A fundraising page has been set up, and events such as walks have been organised. As of Thursday, the page indicated that an additional £12,000 is needed to reach the new target to cover the flight costs.
