Ricky Eury suffered severe head trauma after he was hit by a bikeThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Ricky Eury is fighting for his life in a Thailand hospital (Image: Solomon Wilkinson GoFundMe page)
A restaurant owner from Bristol has been stuck with a £100K medical bill after he was hit by a motorcycle in Thailand.
Ricky Eury, from Hanham, suffered major injuries, including head trauma, when he was struck by the vehicle in Phuket.
The 39-year-old, who runs Gorilla Thai Kitchen on Fishponds Road, had been in the country since February training in Muay Thai and exploring new culinary ideas, when he was hit by a motorcycle on March 15.
His family and friends are raising funds for the restaurant owner, whose medical costs have already surpassed £100,000.
The GoFundMe page stated Ricky’s injuries were “potentially life-threatening” but described him as a “fighter”.
“The impact sent Ricky flying, with a brutal landing on the tarmac that has left him in intensive care with multiple skull and rib fractures, a shattered nose, and bleeding on the brain,” the webpage says.
Friend Harry Bradford said any cash raised will help alleviate “a level of stress and pressure” on both Ricky and his kin, as the medical costs have already exceeded an eye-watering £100,000.
He told ITV Westcountry: “He’s feeling frustrated that he’s stuck on the other side of the world. His son is here, a lot of his family are here, his close friends are here.
“His life is here, his life has been put on hold for a number of months already and it’s going to be a lot longer than that probably until he’s back and fighting fit.”
Ricky’s plight is worsened by his insurance expiring just a day before the crash, forcing his family to foot the escalating healthcare fees.
An online fundraiser has garnered over £30,000 towards his treatment, but his expenses have already risen above the amount raised.
Harry continued: “[Ricky]’s always been that person who talks to everyone and looks after those around him.
“It’s amazing to see the amount of people he’s met that have come out to show support. It’s a massive testament to his character.
“I think he’s just really frustrated now and wants to come home, it was just an unlucky accident.”
The fundraiser states: “The hospital are positive about his recovery but it is likely to be a long and difficult road, as well as an expensive one.
“Due to Ricky’s incapacity, we’re currently unable to confirm his insurance status, and out of pocket costs are likely to run into the tens of thousands of pounds.”
It adds that funding will be put towards Ricky’s considerable medical expenses.