Dennis Stewart, a Brit from Hertfordshire, suffered a severe brain injury and a cracked skull after falling down a flight of stairs at his accommodation in Durban, South Africa. His sister, Debbie Stewart, has been by his side as he battles his injuries. Doctors in South Africa have advised against flying him back to the UK for two months due to the risk of a blood clot at high altitudes. Debbie has started a fundraising page to cover the costs of private healthcare, accommodation, and other charges amounting to over £10,000.
Debbie was devastated by the accident and struggled with the uncertainty of Dennis’s recovery. Dennis has no memory of the past three weeks, including the traumatic accident, and may never regain full memory of this period. Doctors have given a grim outlook on the long-term effects of his injuries. Currently, Dennis is unable to sit upright for more than 30 minutes without experiencing discomfort. Debbie and Dennis are staying with a friend in Durban until Dennis is cleared to fly home, but they will need to find accommodation soon. Dennis did not have travel insurance, which has added to the financial burden.
Debbie blames herself for not reminding Dennis to get travel insurance before the trip. She regrets the oversight and wishes she could turn back time. Friends and strangers have donated to the fundraising page, with support coming from British Airways colleagues and Dennis’s work friends. Debbie is grateful for the outpouring of support and is overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. The fundraising page has raised around £1,000, but more funds are needed to cover the mounting costs. The situation has humbled Debbie, who is not accustomed to asking for help.
Debbie is facing a difficult decision and is unsure about the next steps in Dennis’s recovery process. She is grateful for the support of her colleagues and the generosity of strangers. The fundraising page remains open for donations to assist in covering Dennis’s medical expenses and support his journey to recovery. Despite the challenges, Debbie remains hopeful that with the help of the community, Dennis will be able to return home and begin the healing process. The family is deeply grateful for any help and support they receive during this difficult time.
