Cyclist fighting for his life after horrific truck crash
A 27-year-old-man from Glastonbury is fighting for his life after being involved in a horrific cycling accident in Spain earlier this month. Kai Rawnsley received very serious multiple injuries and is still in hospital in Bilbao, Spain after he was in a collision with a truck while cycling. He was rushed to hospital in Bilbao where he underwent emergency surgery, in which his spleen and half his pancreas were removed and he was put under induced coma to give his body a chance to heal.
The main concern is the pancreas, as further inflammation could lead to organ failure. Other injuries include multiple trauma, mostly on the right side of the body, the bottom of the head (he was wearing a helmet), the thorax and abdomen. He has both collar bones broken, a broken shoulder blade and a broken rib.
His lungs are struggling from impact but doctors are hopeful with time they will heal. Kai is being very closely monitored in hospital and will carry on being sedated for a long time. His family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to try to help the family who have travelled to Spain to be at his side during this very worrying time.
At the start of the week, GBP22,901 had been raised towards the target of GBP25,000. Both Kai’s parents Katinka and Matthew are self-employed, and the fundraiser is to help ease their financial burden so they can be with their son at this terrible time. Kai’s sisters Avena and Silva and his partner Laura are also with him, supported by family and friends.
A statement by Marion Brigantia on the GoFundMe page says: “This is important for his recovery, because there will be not only physical but of course also emotional trauma from this terrible incident. “There is no saying how long it will take for Kai to be able to come out of intensive care and danger to his life, nor how much Kai’s treatments and rehabilitation will cost, as well as the cost for the family to be with him in Spain. Please, support Kai and his family to be able to move through this crisis situation, so that he can completely recover with his loved ones at his side.
This help includes prayers for full health, but also practical, financial support for hospital costs, food, accommodation, travel and whatever aid is needed to help them.” An update this week added: “He is out of ICU! and on a small post-surgery ward, with window and fresh air, home made power food being made by his siblings and brought in, able to get up and walk a few steps, talking, healing and resting. “Thank you a million times for all your love, healing, energy, prayers and practises on his behalf and for your great generosity to my family and him.
Words can not express how profoundly moved we are by all your consideration. “His stats continue to improve, with less tubes needed each day, and ‘minor injuries’ like broken bones, being checked and looked at now. Lungs continue to breathe better and he has exercises to increase their capacity.
He is on antibiotics and the doctors are watchful for infections and are monitoring him well, he is amazing!!! “We still have a way (weeks?) to go to be out of danger zone: “heal and seal” remains the prayer-focus mantra for his pancreas, and wholeness for his lungs, broken bones and entire body including surgery trauma sites. Bless you all and ‘Go Kai’!
Continue to heal free from all complications or infections.” To donate, to help Kai and his family visit www.gofundme.com/f/restoring-kai-back-to-health?cdn-cache=0
Somerset Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Somerset Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone Somerset Live[1] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.[2]
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live[3] team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[4]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[5]
References
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select ‘Join Community’. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Somerset Live (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)