Australian crash victim will have medical costs covered

Backpacker Sam Corria, 18, needed to have part of his skull removed after the car he was driving flipped over four times in Coomealla, New South Wales.

Also suffering spinal injuries and needing further operations and rehabilitation, Sam and his family were facing huge medical bills due to the former St Richard Gwyn pupil's insurance expiring weeks before.

On top of these bills, Sam and his mother also need to be flown home - with Sam needing special provisions and medical care due to his brain injury.

A Go Fund Me page was set up to raise funds to help Sam and his mother Sarah - and in just seven days hit the £6,000 mark thanks to generous donations from the public.

Writing on the "Help Sam Get Home" Go Fund Me page Sarah Milne said: "We have had confirmation that his medical bills will be covered here in Australia which is a huge weight off our minds.

"Sam is doing amazingly well and has been undergoing physio twice a day.

"He is walking with the aid of a frame is regaining strength in his arms and should regain full mobility with only a slight weakness to his left side.

"The broken vertebrae are at the top end of his spine due to the trauma he sustained in the crash so has slight movement in neck but again should heal with no lasting problems."

Sam is due to undergo a second operation in a few weeks time to replace the missing part of his skull and hopefully return to his normal life in Barry.

"The brain is a very complex organ and the neurosurgeon can't give specific answers on lasting damage," said Sarah.

"Time is the greatest healer and he's a young fit and healthy 18-year-old lad. Again we hope that in time Sam will make a full recovery and be able to study.

"We will use the funds raised to help us fly home and cover travel insurance for Sam to fly.

"So thank you to each and every one of you from my heart you are all truly amazing people. Sarah and Sam."