‘Benidorm Bob’ coming dwelling after being ‘held hostage’ in hospital – however there is a catch
Robert ‘Benidorm Bob’ Atkinson, 67, was enjoying a meal with his wife in the resort town before she was due to head back to the UK when he was struck down with a mystery illness
Generous strangers have rallied to support a well-liked British man who became paralysed after consuming a glass of wine at dinner in Benidorm.
Robert Atkinson, 67, was dining with his wife Carol, 64, in the resort town before her planned return to the UK when he was suddenly afflicted by an unexplained illness that caused his legs to collapse beneath him.
Now unable to walk, Atkinson – known affectionately as ‘Benidorm Bob’ – managed to crawl into bed with assistance from his partner. However, upon waking the next morning, he found himself unable to get out of bed or use his legs.
Yorkshire-based Bob was rushed to hospital where neurosurgeons immediately performed emergency spinal surgery. During the procedure, doctors discovered a tumour on his spine and informed him that he may never regain the ability to walk.
He has remained in intensive care since then. Bob’s niece, Sophie Rush, shared details of his predicament on GoFundMe, where the family has so far raised £11,205 towards their £15,000 target, reports the Mirror.
Upon being taken to hospital, Bob’s pre-existing travel insurance ensured he was transported to a private facility, according to Bob’s sister on the fundraising page. She explained the insurer initially agreed to cover the costs.
However, she alleges they are “now trying everything not to pay” and that “because it’s such a large amount it’s an unusual situation”.
In a recent update, Bob’s sister revealed Bob will finally be returning home, but due to his condition, he is “not fit to fly” and will have to travel by land.
She expressed: “As you can imagine all the stress of getting him home is very upsetting for him. I am in the UK now and fighting from this side. Carol is struggling with all the difficult navigation needed to get Bob home. Phone calls etc.
“This time should be spent focusing on Bob but she can’t as it’s been spent trying to raise funds to get him home and dealing with the hospital.
“She has had to sign the agreement to pay the hospital bill which is now at approx £45,000.
“We are so thankful to everyone who has donated and shared the go fund me page so after a substantial private donation to Carol Atkinson from Acorn rugby club in York we have managed to book transport for repatriation.
“Bob is set to be coming home by land over the next couple of days as he’s not fit to fly. We just want him home.”
