a man lying down in am ambulance with three medical staff next to him
Ronald Smith with 112 Air Ambulance Repatriation, staff in the ambulance. Credit: Supplied

A Cwmbran man who was hospitalised in Thailand after a serious motorbike crash has been flown back to the UK.

Ronald Smith, 70, crashed on 9 May, and suffered injuries including a punctured lung and a brain bleed.

His family said they found themselves in a “crazy” position after his insurance company refused to support him as his injuries meant he couldn’t consent to a blood test for alcohol when he arrived in the hospital.

Karey O’Neill, one of his daughters, said: “Thanks to the astounding generosity of so many people, we have managed to bring our father back to the UK.”

‘Amazing’

He landed in the UK on Thursday 12 June accompanied by staff from 112 Air Ambulance Repatriation, who Karey said were “amazing”.

The photo shows him with staff in the ambulance. They described his condition as “stable”.

Ron was taken to The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran.

Karey said: “As a family, we would like to thank Admiral for their staff raffle donations, local charities, The Oakfield pub for the fantastic fundraising event they held, all the amazing local businesses who donated raffle prizes, WJW Self Storage and everyone who shared and donated to our GoFundMe appeal.

“Without all the input from so many people, there is no way we would be seeing our father again. Each and every pound is appreciated.

“We don’t know what the future holds for his mental and physical health, but at least now he can be cared for, helped, and loved by those around him.”