A mother in a challenging situation had to secure a £15,000 loan to bring her son back home after he fell 40ft from a hotel balcony in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Despite having travel insurance, Sarah Hannington’s son, Will, encountered the accident while trying to pass an item to a friend’s balcony. Will, 23, a furniture delivery worker, suffered severe injuries including a fractured femur, rib, and vertebrae, as well as kidney and spinal cord damage.
Fortunately, Will’s life was spared due to landing on a small bush, but he required a lengthy operation in a Croatian hospital to implant a metal rod in his femur. Following his recovery, Sarah coordinated his journey back home via a private ambulance, covering 1,400 miles across eight countries over 30 hours. However, the family had to resort to the loan for transportation costs since Will’s insurance provider refused his claim, labeling the incident as “self-risk behavior.”
While Will’s European Health Insurance Card helped cover his medical expenses in Croatia, including the surgery and intensive care costs, the insurance company’s denial of the claim left Sarah frustrated. She expressed disappointment in the insurer’s decision, emphasizing that the hotel dismissed any inappropriate behavior on Will’s part.
To assist Sarah in repaying the loan, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated. Despite the challenging circumstances, Sarah, an NHS worker, is grateful for Will’s survival and describes the situation as a miraculous outcome. Will is expected to undergo additional surgeries and extensive physiotherapy in the UK to aid his recovery process.
Reflecting on the incident, Sarah shared her emotional journey of ensuring Will’s safe return home, highlighting the importance of having proper insurance coverage when traveling. The family looks forward to Will’s full recovery and his eventual return to work. If you wish to support the cause, you can visit the provided link to donate to the appeal.