Ben has brain and spinal injuries
A 24-year-old ski instructor from the UK has suffered serious brain and spinal injuries in an accident in France. Ben Clubb, 24, suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured spine after falling while skiing in Courchevel, France, on December 21.
Following the unwitnessed fall, which also resulted in a spinal fracture, Ben was rushed to Grenoble Hospital by helicopter, where he remained in an induced coma until the New Year. According to family and friends who launched a gofundme appeal to help pay for his return home and rehabilitation, Ben has since shown ‘incredible strength and determination to pull through the most critical stage’ – but they say his journey has only just begun.
An appeal to help bring Ben. from Eye in Suffolk, back to the UK has raised more than £13,000 within days. Ben is now extubated, breathing with minimal oxygen support and showing movement in all four of his limbs.
He is also responding to requests to ‘squeeze a hand’ or ‘blink for yes and no questions’ and manages the occasional wink and thumbs up. But Ben, who was formerly a snowsports coach during his time at Loughborough University, still faces challenges.
His spinal fracture is stable and currently requires no further intervention, but his cognitive recovery has only just started, with the full extent of his injuries only becoming clear as his recovery continues. Helen Walker, who launched the fund-raising appeal, said: “Until now, we’ve sent love and support through his close family and his girlfriend, Ella. Now, Ben needs more than good wishes—he needs our help to get him home and start specialist rehabilitation.
“Unfortunately, Ben’s insurance does not fully cover repatriation to the UK or specialist rehabilitation and equipment that he’ll need to get back on his feet and work towards independence again.”
The appeal aims to raise enough to bring Ben home safely and then, once he is back in the UK, to provide specialist rehabilitation and essential equipment for his recovery.
Donate online at www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-ben-home-and-support-his-recovery
Already nearly 350 donations have been made towards an initial target of £16,000.
