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A British tourist has been left paralysed from the waist down after a tragic motorbike crash in Thailand.
Lee Francis, who worked as an occupational therapist to help disabled people live independent lives, has been told by doctors that he will never walk again after his holiday took a devastating turn.
The 54-year-old travelled from Wales to Thailand with his wife Clare to visit their daughter Katie, who they hadn’t seen for five months.
However, on the final day of their holiday on January 19, the couple fell off a motorbike and hit a metal barrier.
“[He] has dedicated 18 years of his professional life to assisting others in their recovery and rehabilitation as a community occupational therapist,” Katie wrote on a GoFundMe page that has raised over $31,000.
“He never thought that he would be needing this support for himself, now being permanently paralysed.
“Tragically, Lee’s life took an unexpected and devastating turn.”
During the horror crash, Lee said his helmet cracked in two.
He was taken to the Krabi Hospital in southern Thailand with broken ribs, serious lung contusions, and a fractured spine in three places.
He battled haemothorax, pneumothorax, and a pulmonary embolism, and spent a week on a ventilator.
He was later transported back to Wales on a stretcher flight and was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Clare suffered less severe injuries and is coming to terms with the repercussions of the accident.
Sri Lanka was due to be the next destination for the couple before moving to live in Australia – plans which have now been abandoned, according to Sky News.
Katie said: “Despite the unimaginable obstacles he now faces, Lee’s resilience and determination shine through.”
He is expected to remain in hospital for “several months”.
“He refuses to let his disability define him, and with the right support and adaptations to his home and vehicle, he believes he can regain a sense of independence and continue making a difference in the lives of others,” Katie said.
The family is raising money for the necessary home and vehicle adaptations.
– with Jam Press
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