Chrissy's Rehabilitation

Hi Everyone,

I cannot believe we are writing this but unfortunately this holiday has turned into a nightmare! Like every year my brother Chrissy takes his 2 kids (Jamie 11 & Eva 9) on holiday to Portugal.

On Sunday 6th August while playing with Eva in the pool he banged his head severely on the swimming pool floor when diving in. He lost all control of body movement face down in the pool and helpless, he was drowning. Thankfully Chrissy (an ex-lifeguard) regularly teaches his kids lifesaving skills but never did he think he would have to rely on his little princess to come to his rescue. Eva saved Chrissy’s life by turning him over so he could breathe while Jamie bravely got his uncle Ricky to help.

The ambulance services arrived, and Chrissy was taken to hospital thereafter. He is in excruciating pain and after and MRI scan we now know the extent of his spinal injuries: broken C5, C6, C7 & T6 & T7.

Chrissy took insurance out which covered up to £10,000,000 for accidental damage but his insurance has failed him. They stated due to not declaring a minor historical injury, they have voided his insurance. The injury has no relevance to a broken back - where is their duty of care to a family man who has done the right thing taking insurance out for his family holiday!

He requires urgent treatment and the state hospital is advising it could take 3-4 weeks for them to operate and he needs the operation sooner.

The costs are simply unaffordable. My brother Ricky and I have decided to set up a Gofundme page to help with Chrissy’s treatment/rehabilitation and any help at all is gratefully received. Ricky will be receiving any funds via his personal account which will be only distributed with evidence of an invoice receipt and for full transparency. In the unlikely scenario that we can recoup the outlays ahead be sure to know your donation can be refunded or transferred to a charity relating to spinal injuries at your discretion!

We all read these horror stories abroad and never think it could happen so close to home.

Many thanks from Chrissy and all our family for your continued wishes,

Catherine