Family 'running out of time' to get seriously ill Gosport pensioner home from Thailand hospital

THE family of a man who is seriously ill in Thailand are desperate to get him back home for medical treatment.
By David George
Published 22nd Oct 2019, 17:30 BST
Updated 23rd Oct 2019, 12:10 BST

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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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Now, for medical assistance to get him back home, his family needs to raise £10,000.

The family of Michael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, need to raise £10,000 for medical assistance on his flight home. Picture: SuppliedThe family of Michael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, need to raise £10,000 for medical assistance on his flight home. Picture: Supplied
The family of Michael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, need to raise £10,000 for medical assistance on his flight home. Picture: Supplied

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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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‘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.’

Michael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, has been in a Thailand hospital for the past three weeks. Picture: SuppliedMichael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, has been in a Thailand hospital for the past three weeks. Picture: Supplied
Michael Woodhams, 76 from Gosport, has been in a Thailand hospital for the past three weeks. Picture: Supplied

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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‘There’s a lack of communication and we are running out of time,’ Laura said.

Laura Woodhams, left, with her dad Michael during happier times in Hayling Island. Picture: SuppliedLaura Woodhams, left, with her dad Michael during happier times in Hayling Island. Picture: Supplied
Laura Woodhams, left, with her dad Michael during happier times in Hayling Island. Picture: Supplied

‘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.’

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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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Already, 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.

Related topics:GosportThailandAmericansHMS Queen Elizabeth

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