Portsmouth man who suffered life-changing accident in Thailand is finally back home - but faces long road to recovery
The 30-year-old was on a moped when he collided with a tuk-tuk in Thailand.
A holidaymaker who suffered a life-changing accident in Asia has finally been able to return home to Portsmouth.
On February 2, Lewis McClelland was riding a hired moped through Thailand when he collided with a tuk-tuk on the island of Koh Lanta. He had been on holiday with friends and had gone out for breakfast when the crash happened.
The 30-year-old suffered severe injuries, including an open fracture to his leg, broken bones in his wrist and fingers, and deep cuts to his face.
After being taken to a private hospital, and having emergency surgery to save his left leg, it emerged that his holiday insurance would not cover his medical bills - which at the time had already exceeded £10,000.
At the time, it was established that it would take weeks to bring him home. In the meantime, his family set up a GoFundMe to cover his medical expenses, which at the time of publication has raised more than £16,000.
Now Lewis’ mother, Liza, has confirmed that her son has finally returned home to Portsmouth.
Posting an update on the fundraising page, she said: “I am still struggling with the trauma of what happened in Thailand. Sleepless nights, nightmare some nights - repeating those moments and circumstances when I found out what had happened in Thailand to Lewis, and the 13 hours after trying to track down where they had taken him and if he was ok.
“I feel grateful every moment. He is here we are home and he is on his road to recovery.
“Since returning there have been numerous hospital appointments; he’s under the trauma team at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham. They have said he should expect it will be a further five or six months before he can expect to work.
“He also has to have a further surgery as his big toe is hanging. So awaiting news on what that will be and when. He is unable to wear shoes or anything.
“Small milestones are huge for him just now. Last week he was able to get up in to crutches for the first time so building strength in the unbroken parts of his body is a great help.”
Liza added that Lewis is still unable to bear any weight his leg.