A heartbreaking appeal has been launched to help bring home a young Carnforth man who suffered a life-changing injury on holiday.
Will Ponter, 24, is likely to be paralysed for the rest of his life after breaking his neck diving in a swimming pool in Turkey.
His girlfriend Becky Francey, who jumped in and pulled Will out of the pool, is now spending all of her waking time coordinating with hospitals and insurance companies in England, to bring Will home safely where he can get further care.
A 'Help Get Will Home' Gofundme page has been set up online, aiming to raise £150,000. At time of writing, more than £15,000 has been raised just a few hours after the page was launched.
The accident happened during the last day of Will and Becky's holiday.
"I managed to jump in and pull him out but after a risky, intense 13-hour surgery he is still on ICU and we are told he is likely going to paralysed from the neck down for the rest of his life," said Becky.
"I can’t believe this is our reality, Will is not just my partner, he is my best friend and those who know us know we are inseparable.
"I can’t believe this is happening, it feels like a never-ending nightmare.
"The outpouring of support already has overwhelmed Will's family and I; we couldn’t be more grateful.
"He truly is one of a kind, so funny, caring, thoughtful and adored by everyone he meets.
"Any support offered, whether it’s donations to the Gofundme or prayers for his recovery mean the world to us."
Will works as an electrician at BAE Systems.
He was raised in Holme, Cumbria and lives with Becky in Carnforth.
"Last Thursday, during the last night of a holiday in Turkey, Will broke his neck from an injury sustained diving in the pool," said the Gofundme page.
"Becky was able to get him out of the water, and he received immediate care at the hospital.
"This accident was a split second of tragedy that has now reshaped the entire future of a young man who is only 24 years old.
"It is life changing. Heartbreaking.
"If you have the good fortune to know Will and Becky then you know that as a couple, they are full of energy. They banter, and frolic and genuinely play and have fun together. I have spent vacations with them and have watched them play in the pool together. They reminded me of the joy of children.
"They are joyful.
"Will has a long road to recovery and the end goal of 'recovered' is still uncertain of what that looks like.
"But he has family, and love and support. Will’s parents are by his side, in Turkey. Becky is also still in Turkey, and has spent all of her waking time coordinating with hospitals and insurance companies in England, to bring Will home safely where he can get further care.
"But the family needs help.
"The immediate, urgent need, is help with funds for his stay in the ICU. After that, there is the cost of a flight from Turkey, back home to England.
"They do not have the correct insurance to cover all costs, and we expect there will be further costs to help make the home accessible, as well as resources and other accessibility equipment.
"We do know that the transport, due to needing medical staff on board, will be roughly £120,000 and every day spent in the ICU in Turkey is costing £2,000.
"We hope to raise at least £150,000.
"As Becky’s future step-mom, and a mother myself, I am writing this on behalf of the family. I am in America, and wanted to do a small part to help. It is my hope that love and prays can span oceans and continents to reach them.
"In my mind, I imagine Will being able to wrap his arms around his mum and give her a hug. Or to go shooting with his dad (stories he speaks of often) and to be able to plan a joyful future with Becky.
"We are all connected through the power of thoughts and love - for those things don’t adhere to borders. We know friends and family in England, America, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and more.
"I wish for an abundance of love and well wishes of healing, and prayers, to circle the entire globe for him. He will need it.
"But money is needed too.
"If you can help financially, even a small amount, please do. If you are not in a position to give, then please join me in sending out love, and strength, and healing prayers.
"We are all focusing on being positive, and praying for a recovery that may seem miraculous. But as the saying goes, 'Where there’s a Will, there’s a way'.
"Thank you,
"The Ponter and Francey families."
You can donate HERE.
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