African Voice is backing a campaign by friends of an NHS doctor, who remains in a medically-induced coma after a tragic road accident in America.
Sebastian Kola-Bankole, a 35-year-old London-based medic attending a friend’s wedding, was hit by a truck in Las Vegas last Monday (February 15), and has since been holed up in an intensive care unit following emergency operations on his ears, arteries and spine.
The UCL and King’s College trained doctor’s family and friends now have to figure out how to pay for his mounting medical bill and the cost to repatriating him to Britain once he is fit enough to travel, which they concede could be a long time.
Led by friend Alexander Ademokun, they have started a ‘GoFundMe’ campaign, pleading with the public to pull together and help collectively foot the costs, as Dr Kola-Bankole, who they believe would have taken out travel insurance, left no confirmation or details with anyone.
The appeal, which was launched this week, has already managed to raise over £120,000 in aid of Dr Kola-Bankole’s treatment. It is hoped it can raise £250,000 to cover the costs of the Sunrise Hospital bills and repatriation to the UK.
Ironically, before his accident, the British Nigerian had spent time training in the States and said his experience of America’s insurance-based healthcare system left him with “a greater appreciation” of the NHS. When he returned to the UK, he spent time working at the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust and also raised money for a homeless charity on a sponsored run.
In a statement posted on the ‘GoFundMe’ page, his friends and family wrote: “We are overwhelmed by your generosity and can’t wait to tell Seb how you’ve all pulled together to help get him back home.
“Thank you all for your donations, comments and suggestions.
“We are also discussing with consultants who can take him on in the UK and hopefully should have a plan in place soon ready for whenever he is medically able to be transferred.”
To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/59q92jcs
