A British holidaymaker has been left fighting for his life in Egypt after a random attacker slashed his throat in a supermarket – as his devastated mother pleaded for a Christmas miracle to help save her son.
Struggling Belgin Seitmola, 33, told how he has become the ‘victim of a senseless act of violence’ in the popular tourist resort of Sharm El-Sheikh.
In an emotional interview with MailOnline, which took place over text due the extent of his injuries, the Romanian-born IT engineer begged for help raising the money he needs for a life-saving surgery.
The graduate information security engineer, who lives in Luton, Bedfordshire, told how he came within millimeters of certain death – but now faces having to raise tens of thousands of pounds to pay his medical bills.
He said simply: ‘I find myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in.’
His heartbroken mother Omer Sena, 55, is keeping a round-the-clock vigil at her ‘fighter’ son’s side as his medical bills ‘pile up.’
Belgin was brutally attacked on December 6 during a sunshine pre-festive break.
While the Government has issued no recent travel warning to the Red Sea hotspot – once deemed too unsafe for visitors amidst terrorism fears – his mum insists it is not a safe place to holiday now.
Belgin Seitmola, 33, has been left fighting for his life in Egypt after a random attacker slashed his throat in a supermarket
The Romanian-born IT engineer, who lives in Luton, Bedfordshire, begged for help raising the money he needs for a life-saving surgery
She wept: ‘It is not safe for tourists. There are people who hate tourists. It seems they are hunted down and stabbed.
‘My son was in a supermarket, shopping for something to eat and a criminal came, and without any motive, stabbed my son in the neck.
‘It was without any reason, because he is a tourist.’
She told how her son was transported to the city’s international hospital where he is expected to remain throughout Christmas and the New Year.
Describing her torment, she said: ‘He had a tracheotomy operation which later infected his chest and stopped his heart.
‘He was successfully resurrected and after a few hours was put into assisted, mechanical ventilation, and was under sedation.
‘He also had a hose in his stomach. But thanks to the doctors who saved him he has now come around.
‘He was destroyed and dying, but I hope he can still be saved. That is my wish.
Belgin was brutally attacked on December 6 during a sunshine pre-festive break in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh
‘He is still sick, and not stable since this tragedy, and I have panic attacks and I am always afraid.
‘My son almost died, it is a terrifying, very scary situation. It is critical. I can’t sleep or eat.
‘He is my only child. My father is 85-years-old and I don’t have anybody else in this world to help me.’
Ms Sena, who shares a house with her son, told how they should have been enjoying Christmas together.
But instead of tucking into a festive feast and having fun, her son was now surviving on ingested smoothies and fruit liquids through a nasal tube.
As his concerned mother keeps a constant watch, the stabbing victim has launched a GoFundMe page, pleading for help.
He pleaded: ‘I am reaching out to you today. I am asking for your help. Any donations will go directly toward my medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the support I need to heal from this horrific experience.’
The University of Bedfordshire graduate had been due to start a Masters’ degree, but has put it on hold because of his ‘horrible situation.’
The University of Bedfordshire graduate had been due to start a Masters’ degree, but has put it on hold because of his ‘horrible situation’
He said: ‘I hope that I can recover and get back on track. I have big plans for the future. I used to work with big companies, Microsoft and Intel, but this has changed everything.’
Before the attack he was doing engineering work for data centres and fears he may now lose his job.
Mr Seitmola, who is passionate about sport and partakes in martial arts and wrestling, is now pleading to ‘friends, family, and compassionate strangers’ to come to his aid.
He said: ‘I find myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in. Just a few days ago, while shopping for groceries in a supermarket in Egypt, I became the victim of a senseless act of violence.’
Posting pictures of himself tubed up in hospital, he said: ‘I was stabbed by a criminal without any provocation or reason. This shocking incident has left me fighting for my life, both physically and emotionally.
‘As I write this, I am in a hospital, struggling to recover from my injuries.
‘The medical bills are piling up, and I am facing a long road to recovery that will require not only medical treatment but also psychological support.
‘The trauma of this event has been overwhelming, and the financial burden is becoming impossible to manage.
Belgin is looking to raise £25,000 to assist with his medical bills and psychological support
‘This is why I am reaching out to you. I am asking for your help. Your donations will go directly toward my medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the support I need to heal from this horrific experience. ‘
He told how people’s much needed contributions for medical surgery and healing were now ‘vital.’
He explained: ‘The costs of surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatments are astronomical. As I recover, I will need regular check-ups and possibly physical therapy to regain full function.
‘Surviving such a traumatic event takes a toll not only on the body but also on the mind. I will need counseling and support to help me cope with the fear and anxiety that accompany such a violent experience.’
He added: ‘Due to my injuries, I am unable to work, and my financial situation is becoming increasingly dire. Your support will help cover my living expenses while I focus on recovery.
‘And by sharing my story, I hope to raise and spread awareness about the issue of random violence and encourage a community dialogue about safety and support for victims.
‘Your contributions will not only aid my recovery but also help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
‘I understand that times are tough for many, and I do not take this request lightly. If you can find it in your heart to donate, no matter how small, it will make a significant difference in my life.
While the Government has issued no recent travel warning to the Red Sea hotspot – once deemed too unsafe for visitors amidst terrorism fears – Belgin’s mum claims it is not a safe place to holiday now
‘If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing my story with your network would be incredibly helpful.
‘To donate, please visit or contact me directly for more information on how you can help.
‘Thank you for taking the time to read my plea. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me during this challenging time. Together, we can turn this tragedy into a story of resilience and recovery. With heartfelt gratitude.’
A friend of the victim, who is supporting the fundraiser said: ‘We are reaching out with a heavy heart and urgent plea for help on behalf of our dear friend Belgin, who is currently fighting for his life after a horrific and violent attack during his trip to Egypt.
‘Belgin was stabbed in the neck in a senseless assault, and his survival is nothing short of a miracle.
‘For five long hours, doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him, as his life hung in balance. After undergoing immediate emergency treatment, Belgin remains in critical condition.
‘He is currently on artificial ventilation and continues to fight for his life. Tragically, his chest has become infected due to secretions leaking through a crack between the trachea and oesophagus, further complicating his already fragile situation.
‘The road ahead is long and uncertain, but Belgin is a fighter, and with the right support, we believe he can overcome this.’
The pal, in an online post, added: ‘The medical costs are mounting rapidly. Belgin’s treatment requires ongoing intensive care, multiple surgeries, and specialised interventions to manage the infection and support his recovery.
‘These expenses are overwhelming, and we need your help.
‘We have created this fundraiser to support Belgin and his family during this incredibly difficult time.’
The friend continued: ‘Your donation will go directly toward covering his medical expenses, ventilator support, life-saving treatments, and the surgeries he needs in the coming days and weeks.
‘No amount is too small and every contribution will make a tremendous difference in his chances of survival and recovery.
‘Please join us in supporting Belgin as he fights for his life.
‘Your generosity, prayers, and shared compassion can help ensure that he gets the medical attention and care he so desperately needs.
‘Thank you for your kindness and support. Together, we can help Belgin overcome this unimaginable tragedy and rebuild his life.’
To donate to Belgin’s GoFundMe, visit here.
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