A man from York who was seriously injured after being hit by a pick-up truck in Thailand has thanked the generosity of people who have rallied to his aid and sent a video from hospital.
Martial arts fighter Christian Richardson is now in the battle of his life – to overcome terrible injuries sustained in a motorbike accident that happened on 13 April, the the first day of the Thai New Year holiday known as Songkran.
He had bought medical cover for the trip but wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash which led the insurance company to refuse to pay.
This week he sent a video to give his friends and supporters an update. (Warning -Some strong language)
What Christian said:
“Hey everyone, sorry for the late update. I’m okay. I’m getting out of hospital tomorrow. It’s been a long road recovery really.
“But I’ve been very lucky with your support, my family. I’ve got six weeks until I can put pressure on this foot. But I can’t complain.
“They’ve done an amazing job on my face. My wrist is kind of all right, but I have to use crutches that go under my shoulders, but luckily my shoulders have repaired so I can use them.
“My pelvis – that’s okay now. So I’m going back to just lay in bed and just recover. It’s all thanks to you guys – all your support and donations.
“I got quite emotional actually because I thought I’d only get about 10 donations and £100. But that’s amazing, thank you for your support.
“I’m very lucky to be there. And I haven’t sneezed in seven weeks. Love you all. Bye.
Here is more of the YorkMix report first published earlier in May
A Gofundme page was set up to raise money towards his treatment. And it’s already halfway towards its £60K target.
Christian Richardson’s sister Emmy Watson, who runs Gillygate Framing, told YorkMix Radio he is overwhelmed by the way people have responded.
Chris was hit by a pick-up truck as he was leaving a coffee shop, and suffered many injuries and broken bones.
Miraculously, he didn’t die or have any brain or spinal injuries.
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]
Chris was initially treated at a hospital in Koh Samui for three days before being airlifted to Bangkok where he is currently undergoing further surgeries.
At the moment, he is unable to get out of bed and is fighting a bad infection in his foot where he has a large open wound. He has also required eye and facial surgery to repair a broken cheekbone and a bad orbital floor fracture.
‘Really distressing’
Emmy Watson said: “It’s been really distressing to be honest. Initially, it was a really big shock. The fact that he’s so far away makes it so much harder for us to deal with.
“It’s been a pretty big deal. But we’re really lucky because we’ve had some amazing support from the people around us and that’s really helped.
“He’s okay, but he has sort of like ups and downs, I think, to be honest, the next big battle after his final procedure, which is the skin graft on his foot, is going to be recovering mentally.
[adrotate group=”3″]
“He’s had a few days where he struggled and the reality sort of hit, you know, he can’t get out of bed because he broke his pelvis. So he’s going to be in a wheelchair for a while.
“From being so active and training in the gym twice a day to being bed bound has been pretty tough on him, to be honest.
“He’s been blown away by the response of people. Honestly, everyday he has asked me how it’s going. And every day he is just amazed by how kind and generous people have been.
“He’s just so thankful. He can’t thank them enough really.”
[tptn_list limit=3 daily=1 hour_range=1]
She added: “Currently, the grand total is about £82,000. But I think we’re honestly looking at something anywhere between £100,000, and £120,000 in the end, but I won’t know that until the final bills come in.
“The crowdfunding has been amazing. We’ve had such brilliant support from our friends and our customers at Gillygate Framing, we’re doing really well.”
You can donate at the Gofundme page here.