A young man from Raphoe was involved in a horrific accident in Laos is appealing for help to get home for vital medical treatment.
Jonathan Dunne, aged 25, was travelling the world and volunteering when his dream adventure turned into a nightmare.
WARNING: Some images contain graphic content.
On the 29th March 2017, in the small town of Vang Vieng, Laos, Southeast Asia, Jonathan was involved in a motorbike crash involving a Tuk-tuk and another 16 year old motorbike driver. The other driver sadly passed away in hospital days after the horror crash. Jonathan was thankfully wearing a helmet, which he believed saved his life.
Jonathan sustained serious injuries including several broken bones in his leg, major skin loss, a broken shoulder and total loss of movement in his right arm. He faces the uncertainty about his arm injury being permanent if it is discovered that it is associated with nerve damage.
The young man is currently out of hospital recovering, but has been forced to appeal to friends, family, fellow travellers and strangers to support him as he tries to get home. As well as extreme physical injuries, Jonathan is facing rising medical costs and legal fees.
Jonny out of hospital
Jonathan has set up a GoGetFunding page to try and raise €5,000 to pay for his transport back to Ireland and to cover fees and specialist treatment. (gogetfunding.com/help-bring-jonny-home/)
The former UnitedHealth Group worker quit his 9-5 office job 13 months ago to travel the world.
In his online appeal, Jonny wrote about how he pursued his dream of travelling before tragedy struck: “I wanted to see all the beautiful places the world had to offer, experience many different cultures and have fun with like-minded travellers along the way,” he said.
Volunteering in Borneo teaching English to local children
Volunteering in Borneo teaching English to local children
“On the 29th March 2016 I left Ireland alone with a one way ticket and since then have explored many amazing places such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia as well as volunteering with abandoned animals on a ranch in Antalya, Turkey and helping teach English to children in Borneo.
Jonny went on a 3 month volunteering trip in Antalya, Turkey where he looked after abandoned animals on a ranch.
“In October 2016 my trip brought me to a magical little town called Vang Vieng in Laos. I fell in love and decided I would stay for a little while,” he said.
Prior to the accident, Jonny worked as a DJ in Sakura Bar. He celebrated his 25th birthday in Vang Vieng, Laos with all his workmates and friends.
Jonny’s 25 Birthday
The tragic accident immediately turned Jonathan’s life upside down. His incredible adventures have become a desperate nightmare for him as he battles his injuries and attempts to appeal to kind-hearted locals and the Donegal community to help him in any way possible.
“I would really appreciate any help that can be given to bring me back home to Ireland, help with medical costs and legal fees here in Laos and also for specialist treatment for my arm when I do return home and aftercare such as physical therapy.
“I am blessed to have wonderful friends here in Laos looking after me, but ultimately I need to come home as soon as possible to seek proper medical treatment in Ireland.
“Any donation large or small would be much appreciated in helping with my recovery or even just a simple share on your Facebook page,” he said.
Jonathan has raised almost €1,700 of his €5,000 target at the time of publishing. His fundraising page has been gaining momentum as his story is heard by more people.
If you would like to help bring Jonny home, click the link here: https://gogetfunding.com/help-bring-jonny-home/
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