A student is in critical condition after falling from a third-floor balcony in Thailand. Jack Heathcock had only two days remaining of his "dream summer vacation" when the accident occurred.
After two weeks, the 21-year-old is still hospitalized and being treated for severe injuries, including fractures in his neck and pelvis, as well as brain and lung hemorrhages. He has undergone surgeries for spleen, liver, and kidney damage.
At the time of the accident, Jack was backpacking with two friends. Upon receiving the news of the fall in Chiang Mai, his parents, Joy and Ian Heathcock, immediately flew to Thailand.
However, the family of the nursing student from Teesside University is now facing challenges in bringing him back home because his travel insurance company has refused to cover the claim. Chloe, his 26-year-old sister, informed Teesside Live that Jack had a travel insurance policy in place, and their parents have been in regular contact with both the insurance company and the British Embassy in Thailand.
After two weeks, the 21-year-old is still hospitalized and being treated for severe injuries, including fractures in his neck and pelvis, as well as brain and lung hemorrhages. He has undergone surgeries for spleen, liver, and kidney damage.
At the time of the accident, Jack was backpacking with two friends. Upon receiving the news of the fall in Chiang Mai, his parents, Joy and Ian Heathcock, immediately flew to Thailand.
However, the family of the nursing student from Teesside University is now facing challenges in bringing him back home because his travel insurance company has refused to cover the claim. Chloe, his 26-year-old sister, informed Teesside Live that Jack had a travel insurance policy in place, and their parents have been in regular contact with both the insurance company and the British Embassy in Thailand.
"Unfortunately, after their investigations, the insurers have concluded that due to the circumstances of the incident, they will not be providing coverage. We plan to appeal this decision, but we are devastated to be burdened with expected costs exceeding £40,000, which our family cannot afford," Chloe said.
The exact cause of the fall remains unclear, and the family is still unaware of the details and who was with Jack at the time. Doctors have advised that Jack is unlikely to be stable enough for travel for at least another month, but his family is eager to bring him home safely as soon as possible.
While Chloe manages matters in the UK, including communication with the insurance company, she has also been raising funds to facilitate her brother's return. She stated, "It's the kind of thing you read about but never expect to happen to your family."
To cover the substantial costs, the family has turned to fundraising efforts. Chloe initiated a GoFundMe page, and some of Jack's friends have organized a fundraising event at Dormans Club in Middlesbrough on Friday, July 14.
Jack's condition remains critical, and he is presently being treated for a stomach infection following surgery. Nevertheless, his family remains hopeful that they can bring him back to the UK and continue his treatment in a hospital there.
They have been informed that upon his return to Teesside, he will need to be transferred to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.
Chloe added, "To bring an end to this nightmare, we need to bring Jack back home to the UK, where we can provide him with the necessary help and support for his ongoing recovery."
If you wish to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign established for Jack's care, you can click here.
The exact cause of the fall remains unclear, and the family is still unaware of the details and who was with Jack at the time. Doctors have advised that Jack is unlikely to be stable enough for travel for at least another month, but his family is eager to bring him home safely as soon as possible.
While Chloe manages matters in the UK, including communication with the insurance company, she has also been raising funds to facilitate her brother's return. She stated, "It's the kind of thing you read about but never expect to happen to your family."
To cover the substantial costs, the family has turned to fundraising efforts. Chloe initiated a GoFundMe page, and some of Jack's friends have organized a fundraising event at Dormans Club in Middlesbrough on Friday, July 14.
Jack's condition remains critical, and he is presently being treated for a stomach infection following surgery. Nevertheless, his family remains hopeful that they can bring him back to the UK and continue his treatment in a hospital there.
They have been informed that upon his return to Teesside, he will need to be transferred to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.
Chloe added, "To bring an end to this nightmare, we need to bring Jack back home to the UK, where we can provide him with the necessary help and support for his ongoing recovery."
If you wish to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign established for Jack's care, you can click here.
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