News / Thailand
Bristol restaurant owner recovering in hospital in Thailand
A Bristol restaurateur who travelled to Thailand to compete in a Thai boxing match is currently recuperating in hospital in Phuket after being hit by a motorbike while crossing a road.
Ricky Eury, 39, the co-founder of Gorilla Thai Kitchen in Fishponds and on Gloucester Road, has multiple skull and rib fractures, a shattered nose and bleeding on the brain.
His injuries are thankfully no longer thought to be life threatening but a crowdfunder has now been set up to pay for his continued medical costs with more than £20,000 already raised.
is needed now More than ever
“The hospital are positive about his recovery but it is likely to be a long and difficult road, as well as an expensive one,” said Solomon Wilkinson, who started the crowdfunder.
“Due to Ricky’s incapacity, we’re currently unable to confirm his insurance status, and out of pocket costs are likely to run into the tens of thousands of pounds.”
Ricky’s parents, George and Annette, his girlfriend Hannah, and brother Joey, have flown out to Phuket to be with him – photo: GoFundMe
In an update written on Tuesday, Solomon said: “Thank you so much again to everyone who has donated. Your support means so much to the family and friends both here on the ground in Phuket with Ricky, and everyone who knows and loves him.
“I can’t wait for Ricky to be conscious and coherent enough to see all your messages of support and learn how much everyone has rallied around in one of the most difficult times of his life.
“Anyone close to Ricky knows he would be the first to drop everything and go above and beyond to help a friend in need, so I’m sure it is a small comfort to us all to be able to play a part in getting him back to health.
“Ricky’s progress is continuing steadily. Every day he seems a little more lucid.
“We hope that in a couple of days he will get the all clear to be moved from the ICU to a rehabilitation ward, where he can begin the long journey to recovery, and eventually coming home to the UK.
“His skull fractures are very severe and will require close observation while they heal, but he does not need immediate surgery which is great news – the less additional strain on his body the better.
“All we can do at the moment is wait, give him time to rest and for his body and brain to work through the huge trauma it has experienced, and pray that his condition remains stable.
“The outlook is good, but we will know more in the next few days about the way forward and what kind of treatment will be required.”
For more information and to donate to the crowdfunder, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-rickys-medical-costs-in-thailand
Main photo: GoFundMe
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