Family 'running out of time' to get seriously ill Gosport pensioner home from Thailand hospital
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Michael Woodhams, 76, has suffered a stroke, pneumonia and is thought to also have COPD, and is now bed-bound at a hospital in Thailand.
Though he has lived there for 10 years, he previously lived in Gosport, where the rest of his family still resides.
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Hide AdNow, for medical assistance to get him back home, his family needs to raise £10,000.
Michael’s daughter, Laura Woodhams, said: ‘He went into hospital about three weeks ago.
‘Someone messaged our Thai friend in Gosport and she told us what had happened.
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Hide Ad‘It would be a huge risk putting him on a normal flight – I don’t think he would make it – so medical assistance is essential.’
So far, Michael’s family has paid around £4,000 in medical bills.
Due to the language barrier between Thai hospital staff and Mr Woodhams’ family, 38-year-old Laura says it has been a difficult process.
While hospital staff know basic English, her father doesn't know Thai and so cannot converse with them in their mother tongue.
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Hide Ad‘There’s a lack of communication and we are running out of time,’ Laura said.
‘The language barrier and our lack of knowledge have made it tough; we feel like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place getting him home.’
On Friday Laura started an online fundraiser for the £10,000 to get her father – who was in the merchant navy and then worked for Royal Mail, Unigate, and Palmer and Harvey in Segensworth – home.
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Hide AdAlready, residents of Gosport and beyond have raised £3,240.
Laura's sister, 47-year-old Sharon Curtis, said: ‘I would just thank everyone who has helped our dad, even people we don't personally know.
‘Their generosity has been overwhelming and humbling.’
Laura added: ‘At the moment we see no end to this nightmare, but to see our dad back home would be a huge relief for my sister and me.’
To donate to the fundraiser that will get Michael back home, people can go to facebook.com/donate/499413153972077/10216042765048194.
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