The mother of a young British man who was critically injured in a collision in Thailand has appealed for donations to help bring her son home ‘before it’s too late’.
Tiger Duggan sustained life-threatening injuries after he was hit by an oncoming vehicle while riding a motorcycle on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, who was travelling with a friend after setting out on his trip on January 16, was initially feared dead but was resuscitated at the scene and taken to a small hospital on the Koh Samui island.
On Friday, he was moved to a hospital in Bangkok via a medical plane, where he remains unconscious and on a life-support machine.
His family, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, eventually hope Tiger will be stable enough to be flown back to the UK.
Meanwhile, a group of nurses, who are colleagues of his mother Lisa, have set up an online fundraising appeal to raise money for his trip home, which has so far raised over £115,000.
In an emotional update from Tyler’s bedside today, Lisa broke down in tears as she begged people to give as much as they are able to help bring her son home ‘before it’s too late’.
She revealed that Tyler’s father and younger brother River were on their way to meet her in Bangkok, before breaking down in tears as she described how much the 21-year-old ‘looks up to his big brother’.
Tiger Duggan sustained life-threatening injuries after he was hit by an oncoming vehicle while riding a motorcycle on Sunday
The 23-year-old is currently in a hospital in Bangkok, where he remains unconscious and on a life-support machine
In an emotional update from Tyler’s bedside today, his mother Lisa broke down in tears as she begged people to give as much as they are able to help bring her son home
‘It broke my heart, my two boys,’ Lisa said in an emotional video posted to the fundraising page on Saturday.
‘I am begging you please help us, help us get this boy home, whichever way that may look. Please reach deep into your pockets. Every penny counts.’
Turning to her son in his hospital bed, Lisa added: ‘Ti we are rooting for you mate. We really are. Please help.’
In their earlier plea for donations to help pay for the medical flight to Bangkok, a family spokesperson revealed that although Tiger did take out medical insurance, the family are still ‘trying to work through it’ and support has not yet been provided
‘Although Tiger does have travel insurance, we have been informed that the process is lengthy and approvals can take time. Unfortunately, he cannot afford to wait, and this emergency transfer must happen immediately to give him the best possible chance,’ they wrote in a statement.
The flight to Bangkok took place on Friday morning, with Tiger accompanied by his mother and aunt Lena on what was his 23rd birthday. The family is now seeking thousands of pounds more to fund Tiger’s transfer back to the UK.
His father Kieron Duggan, a plumber, and brother River, who travelled separately to the Thai capital, said: ‘Tiger is now in Bangkok but we still need to get him home. As you could imagine the cost is going to be incredible.’
Tiger had moved from Milton Keynes to Perth, Western Australia, two years ago to start a ‘dream job’ working for gold mining company Westgold Resources.
Tiger Duggan was moved from Koh Samui to Bangkok on Friday by a specialist medical plane
Tiger had travel insurance but his family say his situation is too urgent to wait for payout
A Go Fund Me appeal has been launched by colleagues of Tiger’s neonatal nurse mother Lisa
Lisa’s colleagues, who set up the GoFundMe page, said: ‘Lisa is not just a colleague to us, she is a compassionate, dedicated nurse and a deeply caring person who gives so much of herself to others every single day. Now, her family needs that same care and kindness returned to them.
‘Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Your kindness, love, and support mean more than we can put into words.’
Tiger’s family are being supported by Milton Keynes Central Labour MP Emily Darlington, who said: ‘I am shocked and saddened to hear about the devastating accident involving Tiger, a young man from our community who is now fighting for his life in Thailand.’
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/ncqg5-please-help-an-angel-in-need to support the family.
The family’s supporters are also holding a vigil event in Milton Keynes on Saturday February 7 at Gregories Drive, Wavendon Gate, between 8pm and 9pm. See here https://www.facebook.com/events/868646272658040 for details.
