The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding family has thanked those who have helped them after two brothers were hit by a car in Egypt, with one being left in a coma.
Stephen Elleston (21) was on the first day of his visit to brother Connor (27) in Alexandria on August 10 when the pair were hit by a car while walking to a hotel.
Connor was released from hospital with a broken wrist and injuries to his side after a couple of days, but Stephen was in a coma for three weeks.
He did have travel insurance and has since been brought back to this country.
On Tuesday night he was transported to Addenbrookes Hospital where he’s being looked after by specialists.
His dad, also called Stephen, said: “He’s on a very slow recovery. His eyes are open and he’s talking, that’s the main thing.
“His brain’s a little mixed up at the minute, but we’ve been told it’s like a jigsaw trying to piece itself back together.
“He’s breathing himself which is a big step, although we’re not sure yet why he’s refusing food.
“He’s also in so much pain.
“But he’s now with the specialists at Addenbrookes.”
Mum Angela is also battling breast cancer, and she and Stephen Snr spent thousands of pounds being with their sons.
Angela gave up work after being diagnosed with breast cancer just days before last Christmas and in April started a 12-week course of chemotherapy.
She did meet the goal she set to attend Connor’s graduation ceremony in June after he graduated with a first class honours degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies.
However, doctors said she needed to have a mastectomy which took place September 4, less than 12 days after Stephen Jnr was flown home.
Initially, the family struggled to find a hospital to take him and feared he would have to go to Paris, though he was eventually flown to Peterborough before a bed became available at Addenbookes.
Stephen Snr says his employer KJS Direct Mail has been a fantastic help and it was his colleague there, Claire Piercy, who launched a Go Fund Me page for the family. So far it has raised £1,700.
She said: “Receiving this news was a parent’s worst nightmare for Stephen Snr and Angela.
“Just over three weeks before the mastectomy, and they now had two sons in a hospital, 2,500 miles away.
“They were faced with no choice other than to get on a plane and go out there.
“No parent can prepare themselves for seeing a child in a coma.
“It’s going to be a long journey ahead for the whole family.
“The insurance doesn’t cover the cost Stephen (Snr) and Angela had to incur in getting flights out to Egypt at short notice, their accommodation and living costs over there for over a week, let alone all the expenses to come.
“Unfortunately, Angela had to give up work quite early into her treatment. Finances have been very tight since, putting extra pressure on the family during what was already a difficult time.
“Money cannot change this tragic position they find themselves in, but it can take away some of the worry and allow them to focus on what matters most, in caring for each other.
Stephen said: “As a family we’re so grateful for Claire’s support and setting up the page.
“We really appreciate anyone who has donated anything.
“So many donations have been anonymous which is interesting as if I can ever pay people back I will.”
The Go Fund Me Page is www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-elleston-family
