WELLWISHERS have raised more than £24,000 after a restaurant owner was seriously injured in Thailand.
Ricky Eury, 39, founder of Gorilla Thai in Gloucester Road, was hit by a motorbike as he crossed a road in Phuket. He sustained multiple skull and rib fractures, a shattered nose, and bleeding on the brain.
His friend Solomon Wilkinson started an online fundraiser towards Ricky’s medical costs following the accident on March 15. As the Voice went to print, the total stood at £24,341.
Mr Wilkinson said he wanted to take the pressure off Ricky’s parents George and Annette, girlfriend Hannah and younger brother Joey, who had rushed to his bedside, while they supported Ricky in his recovery from his head injuries.
Writing on the fundraising page, Mr Wilkinson said that Ricky’s injuries had initially been life-threatening but he had pulled through and now faced lengthy rehabilitation.
“The hospital are positive about his recovery but it is likely to be a long and difficult road, as well as an expensive one. Due to Ricky’s incapacity, we’re currently unable to confirm his insurance status, and out of pocket costs are likely to run into the tens of thousands of pounds,” he said.
In an online update, he thanked those who had contributed.
“Anyone close to Ricky knows he would be the first to drop everything and go above and beyond to help a friend in need, so I’m sure it is a small comfort to us all to be able to play a part in getting him back to health,” he said.
Ricky, from Hanham, was in Thailand for Thai boxing training.
As well as his Gloucester Road restaurant, Ricky runs another Gorilla Thai outlet in Fishponds.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-with-rickys-medical-costs-in-thailand