Crowdfunding campaign launched for Dagenham man stranded in Thai hospital after horrific motorbike crash
Harry in Thailand. Picture: Julie Cross - Credit: Julie Cross
“I just need my brother home.”
Harry in hospital. Picture: Julie Cross - Credit: Julie Cross
Those were the words of Julie Cross, whose brother is currently in hospital in Thailand with an amputated leg after being knocked off his motorbike by a lorry earlier this week.
Harry George Buster Cross, 29, who is from Dagenham, was driving his bike near Kanchanaburi on his way to extend his visa when he was dragged 15 metres by a lorry carrying sugar cane.
As well as having to have his leg amputated above the knee because his leg was ‘degloved,’ which is when the skin is town away from the underlying flesh, he has also suffered a shattered pelvis and multiple broken ribs.
Whilst his motorbike was insured, which means some costs are being covered, Harry’s travel insurance had expired, meaning he will have to pay the vast majority of the costs himself.
Harry’s family and friends are crowdfunding to help pay for his treatment and safe return to the UK. Over £6,000 has already been donated.
He is conscious and knows he has lost his leg and according to his family has said: “At least I am still alive.”
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The family say the driver of the lorry has denied any wrongdoing and the matter will therefore be settled in court.
Harry had been travelling in Thailand for the past five months and before that was working as a bartender in Covent Garden.
Close friend Ashley Adjei said Harry is a hugely popular person in the community.
“Harry is the life and soul of the party,” he said. “He is a kind gentleman.”
“It is wonderful to see how many people love and care about him.”
Family friend Eve Coombes is also appealing for his safe return and encourages people to donate to the fund.
She said: “Everybody that meets him loves him. He is just a lovely lad.”
You can donate at gofundme.com/harrybuster.
