FRIENDS and family of a Hanham chef who was critically injured in a road accident have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for his hospital treatment in Thailand.
Ricky Eury, who co-owns the Gorilla Thai Kitchen restaurants in Fishponds Road and Gloucester Road, was hit by a motorbike while crossing a road in the resort of Phuket on March 15.
He suffered multiple fractures to his skull, bleeding on the brain, a broken rib and a broken nose and was taken to an intensive care unit, where he remained in a critical condition for over a week.
The accident happened a day before Ricky, 39, had been due to return home – and a day after his travel insurance had expired.
An online fundraiser set up to help cover his medical expenses has raised more than £30,000 – but the cost of his care has already surpassed that figure.
Now a big fundraising event in Bristol is being organised to help pay for the ongoing treatment for the 39-year-old, who has a young son and lives in Hanham.
A family spokesperson said: “Though Ricky’s condition has now stabilised, recent CT scans reveal extensive and life-altering injuries.
“Thai doctors have called it a miracle that he survived at all.
“He currently has a piece of skull lodged in his brain and is suffering from a cerebral thrombosis, complicating his treatment and making surgery especially high-risk, with only a 30% chance of survival.
“He is also experiencing severe double vision that could persist for up to a year. Medical teams are still assessing how best to move forward, with estimates suggesting Ricky may require further treatment in Thailand for another three to six months – adding significantly to the financial burden.
“He hopes to return home to see his son, rebuild his work-life and reconnect with friends and family.”
Ricky previously lived in Thailand to train as a professional Muay Thai boxer, and went back in February to research food to update Gorilla Thai Kitchen’s menu.
He launched a Thai food delivery service during the pandemic and opened the first Gorilla Thai Kitchen on Fishponds Road with his lifelong friend, Billy Branter, in 2020, opening a second restaurant on Gloucester Road earlier this year.
Billy has been managing the business in Ricky’s absence and said the situation has placed everyone under “immense pressure”.
Ricky’s friends have organised a fundraising event at Lost Horizon arts centre and bar in St Jude’s on May 10.
Running from noon until 9pm, the Raving for Ricky day will include family-friendly activities, a Thai-inspired barbecue, DJ sets Leisure Centre and Retox Allstars and a raffle with prizes worth more than £5,000.
Tickets can be bought via Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/3szzvwrk.
The Gofundme page can be found at tinyurl.com/muvxzdvw and the raffle is at tinyurl.com/27kkkyjn.