Chathurika Goonawardane, who teaches computer science students in Manchester, has been left stranded in a Crete hospital with serious injuries after a horror quad bike cliff fall
A British university lecturer has been stranded in hospital following a devastating quad bike crash while on holiday. Chathurika Goonawardane, who lectures computer science students in Manchester, sustained severe injuries after plummeting from a cliff while travelling as a passenger on a quad bike.
She is currently receiving treatment in hospital and has been told she will be unable to walk or sit upright for several weeks. Consequently, Chathurika cannot fly back to the UK as a regular passenger on a commercial aircraft and needs specialised medical transport while lying flat.
Mates say the initial estimated expense of bringing her safely back to the UK begins at approximately £10,000.
More than £3,000 has been collected so far. The money raised will contribute towards specialised medical transport and healthcare throughout the journey.
Those close to Chathurika revealed she has devoted years to assisting and supporting others through her university role. She teaches computer science students, including final-year pupils working on dissertations and preparing to finish their bachelor’s degrees, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Now, friends and colleagues are appealing for help to bring her home so she can continue her recovery surrounded by family and friends.
A statement on the fundraising page declared: “Chathurika has spent so much of her time helping and supporting others. Now, very sadly, she needs support herself.
“While on holiday in Crete, Chathurika was involved in a serious accident during what should have been a normal quad bike ride.
“She was a passenger on the quad bike when she fell from a cliff and is currently in hospital in Crete.”
The statement continued: “Because of this, she cannot return to the UK as a standard passenger on a commercial flight.
“She requires specialist medical transport and must be transported lying down, with appropriate medical care during the journey.
“These costs need to be covered privately, which is why we are asking for support.”
Friends are encouraging anyone unable to donate to spread the word about the fundraiser among colleagues, students and the wider university community.
They added: “Any donation, no matter the size, would mean so much.
“We are asking for help to bring Chathurika safely back to the UK so she can continue her recovery closer to home, with the support of those around her.”