16-4-2024 (PHNOM PENH) The family of Ben Wilkins, a British traveller, has issued a desperate plea for assistance after he was discovered unconscious in his hostel room in Siem Reap, apparently suffering from kidney failure.
Currently hospitalized in Phnom Penh, Ben has been diagnosed with acute kidney failure and severe pneumonia. He remains in a coma and is reliant on a ventilator for breathing assistance.
With no medical insurance to cover his expenses, Ben’s family is relying on donations for his medical care. His sister, Imogen Wilkins, shared the harrowing ordeal on a GoFundMe page, stating, “My big brother Ben is currently fighting for his life in Cambodia.”
Ben was found unconscious by friends halfway through his holiday. Imogen described the agonizing moment she received the call, marking the beginning of what she described as “the worst week of our lives.”
Since then, Ben has undergone multiple tests, revealing the severity of his condition. His family has been confronted with staggering medical costs, with expenses exceeding £60,000 in just a few days. Imogen’s parents have rushed to Cambodia from the UK to be by Ben’s side, while she remains in the UK with her young child, doing what she can to assist.
The financial strain is immense, with ICU costs alone amounting to £8,000 per day. Furthermore, the possibility of an air ambulance back to the UK is estimated to cost between £125,000 to £200,000.
Despite the daunting circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope. Imogen provided an update, revealing that Ben is showing signs of improvement in response to treatment. While he remains on a ventilator and requires dialysis for kidney failure, there is optimism as he responds positively to medical interventions.
The GoFundMe page set up to support Ben’s medical expenses has garnered significant contributions, reaching £36,286 of its £50,000 goal. However, the family still faces substantial financial hurdles as Ben continues his fight for survival.
