Family and friends of an Australian tourist injured in a Bali scooter crash have been told he may need to learn how to talk again.
Perth man Emlyn Thomas was riding without a helmet on Christmas Day when he became separated from his friends and fell from his bike.
The 24-year-old IT consultant had emergency surgery for two skull fractures, and supporters have raised almost $40,000 to pay his hospital bill.
Family and friends of an Australian tourist (pictured) injured in a Bali scooter crash have been told he may need to learn how to talk again
Perth man Emlyn Thomas was riding without a helmet on Christmas Day when he became separated from his friends and fell from his bike (pictured)
Emlyn spoke a few words after being brought out of sedation on Saturday, and seems to be improving after the life-saving surgery, Nine News reported.
‘It’s just nice the surgery went well and he could come out of it OK. It could be better than we expected at first,’ said Emlyn’s best friend, Will Michell.
The operation cost $30,000 which was paid upfront by Emlyn’s employer, and friends have since started a GoFundMe page to cover the costs.
So far $38,470 has been raised, but more may be needed as Emlyn’s family were told the total cost could rise to $65,000 if a longer hospital stay is required.
The family are hoping Emlyn can get medical clearance to travel back to Australia within the next two weeks.
Because he was not wearing a helmet, and does not hold an Australian motorbike license, Emlyn’s insurance will not cover him.
Emlyn (left) had two fractures in his skull (right) and bleeding in his brain. His employer lent him $30,000, which was required upfront, but his hospital bills could hit up to $65,000
The young tourist was found in hospital on Boxing Day, unable to speak, and untreated 12 hours after the crash.
With the loan from Emlyn’s employer, the operation for two skull fractures and brain bleeding could then be carried out.
Ordinarily, someone in this situation would expect their travel insurance to cover the costs of the accident – but this is not the case for the 24-year-old.
Garth Krasinski, a spokesman for Elliot Insurance Brokers, said travellers with an adventurous streak should always be especially careful to read the fine print.
‘If you’re doing anything that’s slightly high risk – whether it be going on a jet ski, riding a scooter, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, take the time and effort to read the policy,’ he said.
While the cost of Emlyn’s care will weigh heavily on the family, his sister Reija Hurry says she is just thankful he is alive.
‘We lost our mum this year, so to lose him would be devastating, so I’m so glad it looks like he’s going to come through,’ she said.
Emlyn’s insurance will not cover him, as he does not hold an Australian motorbike license, and he was not wearing a helmet (pictured is the scene of the crash)