A mother from Milton Keynes has made an emotional plea for help to bring her critically injured son home from Thailand, where he is fighting for his life after a devastating motorbike crash.
Nightmare Unfolds on Dream Holiday
Tiger Duggan, a 23-year-old from the UK, was enjoying what should have been a dream holiday with a friend on the Southeast Asian island of Koh Phangan. Tragedy struck on January 16 when he was involved in a head-on collision while riding a motorcycle. The impact was so severe that Tiger was feared dead for 16 minutes before being resuscitated at the scene by emergency responders.
Critical Condition and Escalating Costs
Following the accident, Tiger was airlifted from Koh Phangan to a local hospital in Koh Samui. His condition necessitated further transfer via medical plane to a hospital in Bangkok, where he remains on life support. The family faces a race against time and mounting financial pressures, with medical bills in Thailand requiring immediate payment and no allowance for accrual.
In a heartbreaking video update from Tiger's hospital bedside, his mother Lisa, a neo-natal nurse, broke down in tears as she appealed for assistance. "It broke my heart, my two boys," she said, referring to Tiger and his sibling. "I am begging you please help us, help us get this boy home, whichever way that may look. Please reach deep into your pockets. Every penny counts."
Urgent Need for Medical Repatriation
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of over £200,000 to cover the exorbitant costs of Tiger's care and repatriation. While Tiger does have travel insurance, the process for claims is described as lengthy, with approvals that could take precious time he simply does not have.
"This is truly the worst nightmare," Lisa explained in her plea. "To fly Tiger back to the UK for specialist treatment, the medical repatriation alone costs £150,000, and time is running out." She added, "I'm begging anyone who sees this: help me bring my son home before it's too late."
Family and Community Rally Support
Tiger's father, Kieron Duggan, a plumber who has rushed to Bangkok to be at his son's side, echoed the urgency. "Tiger is now in Bangkok but we still need to get him home. As you could imagine the cost is going to be incredible," he stated.
Lisa's nursing colleagues, who organised the fundraising page, highlighted her character and the family's dire need. "Lisa is not just a colleague to us, she is a compassionate, dedicated nurse and a deeply caring person who gives so much of herself to others every single day. Now, her family needs that same care and kindness returned to them," they wrote.
The family has also garnered support from local political figures. Emily Darlington, the Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central, expressed her shock and sadness. "I am shocked and saddened to hear about the devastating accident involving Tiger, a young man from our community who is now fighting for his life in Thailand," she said.
How to Help
The GoFundMe campaign stresses that any donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. For those unable to contribute financially, sharing the page to raise awareness is equally valuable. The family's appeal is a stark reminder of the unforeseen crises that can occur abroad and the immense challenges of international medical emergencies.
As Tiger continues his fight in a Bangkok hospital, his mother's tearful words resonate: "Ti, we are rooting for you mate. We really are. Please help." The community's response will be crucial in determining whether he can be brought home for the specialist care he desperately needs.
