Andrew Patterson was flung off a hired bike breaking a cervical vertebra in his neck
A family are raising money to bring back an Omagh man who broke his neck and back in Bali. The horrific crash occurred when Andrew Patterson, 29, was “flung off” a hired bike leaving him with ‘significant’ injuries.
The tree surgeon has lived in Melbourne, Australia since 2024. He had travelled to the Asian country with a friend for a long weekend break from Friday until last Sunday, The Mirror reports.
The accident happened in Canggu, on the south-west coast of Bali. The duo were riding on separate hired bikes on Sunday evening when Andrew misjudged a corner, with the impact of him braking flinging him over his handlebars and into a road sign.
He suffered severe cuts across his face and has also badly injured the right side, shattering both his cheek and eye socket, as well as breaking his nose. Andrew has lacerations on his left hand which, alongside his face, will require skin grafts.
He also broke cervical vertebra in his neck and a thoracic vertebrae, in his middle back. His family have now started a GoFundMe to help raise money to help pay for treatment, and potentially bring him back home to Omagh.
His sister Andrea Marsella, 41, who lives in Omagh, said: “From what we have been told when he approached a corner he didn’t realise it was so tight and was flung off when braking. “Because he hit a road sign, he has suffered significant skull and facial trauma which requires reconstructive surgery and skin grafts.
“He has also injured his left hand, which will need skin graft surgery, and he has also fractured a vertebrae in his neck and middle back. Luckily, he doesn’t need surgery on his back and neck, but it will be a long recovery process.
“At the moment, we are facing a lot of uncertainty. He loves the outdoors and being active, so this has come as a huge shock to everyone who knows him. It’s absolutely heart-breaking seeing him in so much pain and go through this trauma so far from home.” Andrea said Andrew’s brother-in-law Neil Moody, 48, also from Omagh, is flying out so they can “be by his side” and to help the family understand the extent of his injuries. She said: “We are just so happy he is alive, as of course it could have been a lot worse. Andrew is happy he hasn’t lost movement after breaking his neck and back, but it is now a long road to recovery for him. “As you can imagine, the costs are already mounting including emergency medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and potentially bringing Andrew home safely once he is stable. We are still trying to understand how much it will all cost but we know it will be significant given the amount paid to the hospital for his scans and care.
“We’re asking for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time. Andrew is a much-loved brother, son, uncle and loyal and genuine friend.”
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