Man stuck in hospital in Spain with 11 broken ribs, broken leg and broken wrist

A holidaymaker has suffered horrific injuries in a motorbike crash in Spain which left him with 11 broken ribs that punctured the membrane between his ribs and around his lungs and caused a pneumothorax.

He also suffered a wrist broken in two places and a broken leg. John Donaghey's wife is now by his side as he receives treatment in a Spanish hospital.

John's friend Sean has launched an appeal to raise money to get him home to Derry, Northern Ireland, by road ambulance so he can receive the medical treatment he needs. Sean said: "We are looking to raise funds to bring him home from Spain.

"On Sunday September 13, John had a terrible motorcycle accident in Spain, he has suffered a lot of injuries, including 11 broken ribs, which punctured the membrane between his ribs and around his lungs and caused him to get a pneumothorax.

"He also sustained a broken wrist in two places, a broken leg, and severe road rash all over his body. Grainnia, his wife, is with him now, and they are being treated unfairly by the Spanish hospital staff. The language barrier is causing tension and frustration between both parties."

Sean said an air ambulance is not an option because of John's respiratory problems and that the hospital will not issue him with a fit-to-fly certificate. He said: "Long story short, is that John needs medical assistance home by road ambulance and this is very expensive!

"Air ambulance is out of the question for him unfortunately, for 6 months due to his respiratory issue. The hospital has advised that they won’t issue a fit to fly certificate."

John had taken out travel insurance before leaving for Spain, but Sean said it won't cover his repatriation. The appeal is now asking people to donate towards the costly journey home.

Sean said: "So if we could all come together as a community far and wide and make a donation to this cause to bring John home and make his journey as comfortable as possible and to receive the medical treatment that he needs along the way, we would greatly appreciate it.

"This is a very expensive trip to get him home, and any donation, big or small, will be appreciated, as every little helps."The fund aims to raise £13,000.