Zak Forsyth, 21, was riding the scooter when it collided with a car earlier this month
Zak Forsyth, 21, was riding the scooter when it collided with a car earlier this month
The family of a Scouser fighting for his life in Thailand after a scooter crash has shared a “remarkable” update on his condition. Zak Forsyth, 21, was riding the scooter when it collided with a car earlier this month.
Girlfriend Amy Elkin, 21, said Zak, from Huyton, suffered “extensive” injuries in the crash, with his family left to foot medical bills as he had no travel insurance. Amy has now shared an update on his condition via a fundraising page. She said: “Zak’s progress has been remarkable, especially considering how close we came to losing him.”
Amy described how medication has “successfully reduced the swelling on his brain slightly”, with other medication turning blood clots Zak had developed to fluid. Amy described this as a “positive development” in the update.
Amy, who travelled to Thailand to be with Zak on February 9, said: “Although Zak still has a long road to recovery ahead, he continues to make progress each day. I have never been prouder of someone in my life.
“While this update is positive, the hospital has made it clear that his condition could still change, depending on how his brain responds and heals. As expected, Zak is in significant pain and is receiving very strong medication to manage this.”
Amy described Zak’s injuries, saying his face was “severely damaged” with multiple facial bones broken. She said he has since undergone a full facial reconstruction to repair his eye sockets, cheekbones, jaw and nose.
Amy added that metal plates have been inserted, and that Zak’s jaw has been wired shut to allow healing. She described Zak’s facial injuries as being “on a positive path to recovery”.
She added that Zak has undergone a tracheotomy and is now breathing independently, having earlier been placed on a ventilator, she said: “Many people have also asked about medical bills. Unfortunately, medical care abroad begins charging the moment you enter the hospital and continues until discharge.
“Costs increase daily simply for being admitted, in addition to charges for medication, surgery, ICU care, scans, blood transfusions, and all other treatments. Nothing is provided free of charge. We have also had to travel across the world to be by Zak’s side.
“We are struggling with the ongoing medical costs, especially as every bill is marked as an estimate, meaning there is no fixed or final price.”
Amy added: “We continue to need as much support as possible to help Zak regain strength before we can bring him home to Liverpool. We would be extremely grateful if people could continue sharing the JustGiving page, as we do not know what tomorrow may bring.
“If Zak’s condition worsens and surgery becomes necessary, the hospital will demand immediate payment before proceeding. This has been one of the most distressing experiences for our family, with staff standing in his ICU room with a card machine.
Amy said her boyfriend was sober and riding a scooter when it collided with a car. The driver took him to hospital, but Zak has suffered serious and potentially life-changing injuries.
Zak is currently in a coma in intensive care and because he did not have medical or travel insurance, all hospital and treatment costs must be covered by his family.
Amy previously told the ECHO how police arrived at her home to inform the family of the accident after the British Embassy identified Zak.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.
