On the 1st October 2019 George Stephenson fell from his hotel balcony and was rushed to the nearest hospital. Over the next 48 hours we learned the severity of George's injuries and managed to get our mum and dad flown out to be by his side as soon as we could. We are setting up this Just Giving page to ask for help. The Spanish Consulate, family and friends have recommended that we do this to help us with the financial strain and difficulties, during this time.

About George

George is our little brother, the youngest of five, also known as "The Runt of the Litter" (he'll love us for that!)

He has such a lovable personality, that even when he's annoying you, he only has to flash his cheeky smile to make you melt. He has such a big and generous heart, he will go to the ends of the earth for those he loves. He has more friends than we can count, and so many people have reached out to offer their support, just making us realise exactly how incredibly loved he is. All we know is, that if it were the other way around, George would be moving mountains to bring us home.

What happened

George fell from a third storey balcony, suffering life threatening injuries. George went into a coma immediately, but thankfully a qualified nurse staying nearby managed to reach him quickly and begin CPR until the paramedics arrived. He is currently in Intensive Care, he is on life support and remains critical. The extent of his injuries, that we know of so far, are as follows:

• Severe brain trauma

• Multiple skull fractures

• Multiple facial fractures

• Broken jaw

• Multiple spinal fractures

• Broken sternum (breastbone)

• Broken right hand and wrist

At the moment, doctors are unable to tell us an expected outcome and we are taking this hour by hour.

However, doctors have advised that if George becomes stable enough, his brain, skull, face and spinal injuries will all require surgery before he could be flown home by air ambulance. At this stage, we can't even comprehend what this may cost.

Where the money will go

Your donation will help with costs we have already incurred and will continue to face. George took out travel insurance, but it is currently unconfirmed whether they will provide coverage (we will update accordingly). However, even if they do provide cover, we are aware that his policy only includes the costs for one next of kin (i.e. mum OR dad).

Due to the current uncertainty of his coverage, we are trying to raise funds to assist us with present and future costs both abroad and at home. To put this in perspective, all of our money is focused on George's situation right now which is putting a massive financial strain on everything else. Much of our concern stems from being advised that after just 36 hours of hospital stay, his bill is in excess of €12,000.

Expenses so far

• Emergency passports x 2

• Flights and accommodation for mum and dad (indefinite stay)

• Euros (for taxis to and from hospital / living expenses, etc)

• Phone usage whilst abroad

• Flights and accommodation for immediate family to provide respite and support to our parents

• Maintaining financial obligations at home

We've fallen on hard times and it is not in our nature to ask for help. But desperate times require desperate measures and we would be eternally grateful for anything that could be donated, no matter how much - every penny will count!

Our family cannot express enough our appreciation for any help we receive during this devastating time. Thank you all so much.

George’s Family xxx