Man struck by deadly flesh-eating bug

9 December 2015

MORE than £20,000 has been raised for a Carryduff man recovering in Bangkok after being hit by a potentially fatal flesh-eating bug.

Ben Whiteside (25) had to be airlifted 500 miles to Bangkok from Laos in south east Asia last week where he has undergone surgery.

Ben was in Laos with his girlfriend Anneka Shally when he was struck by the infection.

The rare flesh-eating disease, necrotising fasciitis, can kill within hours or days if left untreated.

It is unclear how Ben became infected but the injury from the disease and the surgery to remove it has seen substantial.

Now as he battles to recover, friends and strangers have donated the huge sum to help towards the costs of medical care in Thailand and towards his flight home.

Ben’s family have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people and after smashing their initial

target are keeping the campaign going to pay for as much medical treatment as they can.

Girlfriend Anneka said: “He was seen quickly by an incredible team of specialists and surgeons. The team in Bangkok operated quickly and managed to save not only Ben’s leg, but his life.

“Ben was incredibly lucky to come out of this as strong as he has, however the treatment which saved his life is totalling at quite a significant cost.

“As this was a life or death situation — not airlifting Ben to Bangkok to have the treatment due to the money was simply out of the question.

“The treatment has so far all been paid for on credit, so I have started this campaign in the hopes of relieving Ben and his family from some of the financial burden that this situation has inflicted on them, and to avoid the already significant cost skyrocketing more due to interest rates.

“We will be eternally grateful for any support for this appeal.”

After reaching their target following three days of their campaign on the Go Fund Me website, the fundraising target has now been raised to £30,000.

“What a whirlwind this last few days have been,” Anneka added. “We are immensely grateful to each and every person who has supported this appeal in any way, the response has been astonishing and has already helped ease the financial aspect of this situation a great deal.”

In what has been a “roller coaster” of emotions, she said news that the Ulster Hospital would continue treatment for his condition was welcomed by Ben’s friends and family, who are eagerly awaiting his return back home.

However, administrative processes means Ben is likely to be in Bangkok until Friday.

“This has been a huge disappointment for us as we really are desperate to get home now, although we will be genuinely sad to leave the incredibly kind and caring staff in this hospital,” said Anneka. “In times like this, you just want to be close to family, and of course everyday spent in the hospital is sadly adding to the already substantial bill.

“In light of the success of the campaign, I have raised the goal in the hope of covering an even greater amount of Ben’s medical fees. After two weeks of feeling incredibly helpless while watching him suffer so much, I am delighted to be doing something that is helping to ease the pain that this dreadfully unlucky situation has inflicted.”

To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/benwhiteside

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