Andrew Patterson, 29, was left with life-changing injuries after a motorbike crash in Canggu, on the south-west coast of Bali, on Sunday evening, with his family launching a crowdfunding appeal to cover medical costs
A British tourist has been left with a fractured neck and spine, along with “severe” skull injuries following a terrifying motorbike crash while holidaying in Bali.
Andrew Patterson, 29, was left grappling with life-altering injuries after a freak road accident in Canggu, on the south-west coast of Bali.
The tree surgeon from Omagh, Northern Ireland, who has resided in Melbourne, Australia since 2024, had jetted off to the Asian country with a friend for a long weekend getaway from Friday, April 17 until Sunday, April 19.
The pair were each riding separate bikes on Sunday evening – which they had rented – when Andrew misjudged a corner and was catapulted over his handlebars upon braking, crashing into a road sign, which he flattened.
They were en route to a steakhouse for dinner when the incident occurred.
He sustained severe facial lacerations and also seriously injured the right side of his face, shattering both his cheek and eye socket, as well as breaking his nose.
He also has cuts on his left hand which – along with his face – will need skin grafts, in addition to fracturing a cervical vertebra in his neck and a thoracic vertebrae in his middle back.
His family are currently crowdfunding to help raise funds to cover treatment costs and potentially bring him back home to the UK.
His sister Andrea Marsella, 41, from Omagh, Northern Ireland, said: “From what we have been told when he approached a corner he didn’t realise it was so tight and was flung off when breaking.
“Because he hit a road sign, he has suffered significant skull and facial trauma which requires reconstructive surgery and skin grafts.
“He has also injured his left hand, which will need skin graft surgery, and he has also fractured a vertebrae in his neck and middle back.
“Luckily, he doesn’t need surgery on his back and neck, but it will be a long recovery process. At the moment, we are facing a lot of uncertainty.
“He loves the outdoors and being active, so this has come as a huge shock to everyone who knows him.
“It’s absolutely heart-breaking seeing him in so much pain and go through this trauma so far from home.”
Andrea has revealed Andrew’s brother-in-law Neil Moody, 48, also from Omagh, is jetting out and is expected to land on Wednesday so they can “be by his side”.
He also hopes to assist them in better grasping the full scope of his injuries and what lies ahead.
Andrew has already undergone facial reconstruction surgery.
The family are currently crowdfunding to help cover medical expenses – but they emphasise how grateful they are that he is alive.
She said: “We are just so happy he is alive, as of course it could have been a lot worse.
“Andrew is happy he hasn’t lost movement after breaking his neck and back, but it is now a long road to recovery for him.
“As you can imagine, the costs are already mounting including emergency medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and potentially bringing Andrew home safely once he is stable.
“We are still trying to understand how much it will all cost but we know it will be significant given the amount paid to the hospital for his scans and care.
“We’re asking for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time. Andrew is a much-loved brother, son, uncle and loyal and genuine friend.”
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