#GETWELLDEL
Donation protected
On February 19th, Del Derrick was thrown from his bike whilst participating in a cycle race in Abu Dhabi. Del's injuries were extensive and severe. Massive fractures to his skull, broken ribs, clavicle and a punctured lung amongst other injuries on his body. As a result of the head trauma, Del also had injuries to his brain.
He was rushed to Mafraq Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to allow his brain to rest. Shortly after, he underwent emergency surgery to open up a large portion of his skull to allow swelling of the brain, which was a result of the head trauma. He was placed in optimal conditions during this critical time to allow healing to take place, and as a result, was able to have the procedure reversed successfully.
Against all odds, he fought valiantly during his time in ICU, and was discharged to a medical centre in Abu Dhabi. He now faces a long road of extensive and challenging rehabilitation. Due to his injuries, Del is having to relearn everything that we take for granted in life, like walking and talking...right through to living his life independently again as the capable, able fun loving hardworking man we all know and love. Seeing someone you love, who is normally the joker, the life and soul of the party, in this state is hard, and his friends have rallied round with their love and support.
Del served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, serving in many conflict zones. A lifelong dedication to aviation quality meant that pilots could come home safely to their families.
Del was a wingsuit pilot, an active member of his regimental skydive team, and formation skydive coach, achieving many awards. Skydivers around the world have been stunned by his accident and well-wishes continue to pour in.
He was heavily involved in sporting events, both as a marshal and participant in many races. He is sorely missed by his team of volunteers! Del was also fundraiser for years for military and homeless charities.
A loving son, brother and husband, he is a devoted uncle and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was quite simply, awesome.
His days are currently now spent in a small hospital room, with limited daily rehabilitation. His wife helps him with his education, and he spends a lot of time working on jigsaws, lego and logic puzzles as his brain 'rewires' itself. This is a critical process, and cannot be left up to chance. He is determined to make a full recovery, and now clearly needs the expert help of a neurological rehabilitation clinic. Here both Del and Jo will have the support of family and a clinic that specializes in Traumatic Brain Injury recovery programmes specific to Del’s requirements. We appreciate any prayers you can provide for Del and his wife Jo who has barely left his side since the tragic accident.
This level of care and support that Del needs can only be achieved by getting Del a flight back home to the UK, and having the right placement secured in advance. Del is currently not receiving any funding for this placement and without private health insurance, faces a very uncertain future. It is crucial that we move him to the next stage of his recovery.
Del's Brother, supported by his Family and Friends has started this campaign to help pay for vital, necessary medical rehabilitation expenses to help him and his wife secure a future, and give Del the fighting chance he deserves. We as Del’s family want to give him every opportunity to recover fully, and appreciate any support you can give him and his wife at the start of their long journey to recovery.
He was rushed to Mafraq Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to allow his brain to rest. Shortly after, he underwent emergency surgery to open up a large portion of his skull to allow swelling of the brain, which was a result of the head trauma. He was placed in optimal conditions during this critical time to allow healing to take place, and as a result, was able to have the procedure reversed successfully.
Against all odds, he fought valiantly during his time in ICU, and was discharged to a medical centre in Abu Dhabi. He now faces a long road of extensive and challenging rehabilitation. Due to his injuries, Del is having to relearn everything that we take for granted in life, like walking and talking...right through to living his life independently again as the capable, able fun loving hardworking man we all know and love. Seeing someone you love, who is normally the joker, the life and soul of the party, in this state is hard, and his friends have rallied round with their love and support.
Del served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, serving in many conflict zones. A lifelong dedication to aviation quality meant that pilots could come home safely to their families.
Del was a wingsuit pilot, an active member of his regimental skydive team, and formation skydive coach, achieving many awards. Skydivers around the world have been stunned by his accident and well-wishes continue to pour in.
He was heavily involved in sporting events, both as a marshal and participant in many races. He is sorely missed by his team of volunteers! Del was also fundraiser for years for military and homeless charities.
A loving son, brother and husband, he is a devoted uncle and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was quite simply, awesome.
His days are currently now spent in a small hospital room, with limited daily rehabilitation. His wife helps him with his education, and he spends a lot of time working on jigsaws, lego and logic puzzles as his brain 'rewires' itself. This is a critical process, and cannot be left up to chance. He is determined to make a full recovery, and now clearly needs the expert help of a neurological rehabilitation clinic. Here both Del and Jo will have the support of family and a clinic that specializes in Traumatic Brain Injury recovery programmes specific to Del’s requirements. We appreciate any prayers you can provide for Del and his wife Jo who has barely left his side since the tragic accident.
This level of care and support that Del needs can only be achieved by getting Del a flight back home to the UK, and having the right placement secured in advance. Del is currently not receiving any funding for this placement and without private health insurance, faces a very uncertain future. It is crucial that we move him to the next stage of his recovery.
Del's Brother, supported by his Family and Friends has started this campaign to help pay for vital, necessary medical rehabilitation expenses to help him and his wife secure a future, and give Del the fighting chance he deserves. We as Del’s family want to give him every opportunity to recover fully, and appreciate any support you can give him and his wife at the start of their long journey to recovery.
Organiser
Mark Derrick
Organiser