A Cwmbran pub is hosting a fundraising event on Sunday for a local man involved in a serious motorbike crash in Thailand.
Ronald Smith, 70, was left with severe injuries after the crash on 9 May. His family say they’re in a “crazy” situation after his insurance company refused to fund his treatment.
When Mr Smith was taken to a hospital, he had injuries including fractured bones, a punctured lung and a brain bleed. This meant he was not able to give consent for blood to be taken for an alcohol test, and the insurance company told them this was needed to make a claim.
Karey O’Neill, daughter, said the hospital prioritised his treatment and did not try to contact any family to give consent to the test. It was six days before his family found out where he was and what had happened.
She said they’re talking to a “repatriation company” about him being flown back to the UK with its private medical staff, and have been given a certificate to say he’s fit enough to travel.
‘Flight could cost £20,000
It took them two weeks to get this certificate, and it’s only valid for a few more days.
The flight to the UK could cost around £20,000, with his hospital costs already around £50,000.
She said they’re “really grateful” to the local community and the Oakield pub, where her dad used to enjoy playing pool and darts.
The family is making a formal complaint to the insurance Ombudsman after discovering that the insurance company in Thailand has links to the UK.
📅 The Oakfield pub event is on Sunday 8 June from 12pm.
Donate to the appeal
You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.