Alexander Ademokun/GoFundMeA junior doctor is fighting for his life, after he was critically injured in a road accident on holiday in Las Vegas.
Dr Sebastian Kola-Bankole, from Camden, was knocked down by a lorry as he crossed a road – just off the Sunset Strip – on February 15th.
The 35-year-old doctor – from the Royal London Hospital – had flown out to LA before the accident for a friend’s wedding. But his family – who have travelled to be by his bedside – cannot find his travel insurance records, so they’re faced with paying his rising medical bills.
The family have now launched a £250,000 appeal for treatment and to bring him back home to the UK. Since they created the account just 24 hours ago, they have already raised an incredible £71,000.
Pav Sarai/TwitterThe accident left Sebastian so badly injured he had to be put into a medically-induced coma and, after having emergency operations on his ears, arteries and spine, he is now in a ‘critical but stable condition’ at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, The Independent reports.
They hope to raise £250,000 to pay for his treatment – which could cost well over £100,000 – and to return him to the UK on a specialist medical flight.
The campaign’s founder – Alex Ademokun – and many colleagues and friends have tweeted their support using the hashtag #BringBackSeb:
Thanks for all the support to #bringbackseb For many he is a great colleague, great volunteer and great friend. https://t.co/M2fond8VQi
— Alex Ademokun (@AAlex_A) February 22, 2016
For me it is personal. He is my best friend, best man and godfather to my kids. I want him back home #bringbackseb https://t.co/M2fond8VQi
— Alex Ademokun (@AAlex_A) February 22, 2016
I'm especially grateful to those who haven't even met him but support him so generously. Thank you. #bringbackseb https://t.co/M2fond8VQi
— Alex Ademokun (@AAlex_A) February 22, 2016
Please, please support this to help one of the loveliest, most kind hearted guys you will meet #bringbackseb https://t.co/JeGeuBk63W
— Barry Johnston (@B_CA_Johnston) February 22, 2016
Sebby out raising money for GOSH. Sadly we need to raise it for him. We're getting there, keep going!#bringbackseb pic.twitter.com/rWnkIvVpLn
— Pav Sarai (@pavsarai) February 21, 2016
Seb is one of the best & loveliest people I've ever worked with. #bringbackseb https://t.co/fxOv9C6nQS
— Laura Byrne (@LByrne81) February 22, 2016
Please help #bringbackseb – a brilliant junior doctor who is seriously unwell without an #NHS to help him – https://t.co/53kuYMzbqr
— Els Draeger (@elsdraeger) February 21, 2016
Seb KB is a great friend and one of the kindest people you could meet. Please help if you can. #bringbackseb https://t.co/XSrhF43guU
— Mel Sebepos-Rogers (@Mmyc3) February 21, 2016
A close friend, Dr Pawandeep Sarai, told the Evening Standard:
We are all doing everything we can for Seb to get him the treatment he needs and back to the UK. His family are obviously devastated by what has happened. Seb is just the most selfless, giving person, everyone who has met him will know what a huge personality he has. He volunteers for charities, he is always giving to others. He’s a very dear friend and a very caring doctor and he needs our help to get home.”
His friends are now looking for a suitable hospital in London that will agree to take him, with St Mary’s in Paddington believed to be able to provide the treatment.
You can donate here.
