Call for support after young couple's life changes after pool accident in Turkey
Community unites to help Will Ponter following devastating injury in Turkey
Last Thursday during a holiday in Turkey, 24-year-old Will Ponter suffered a life-altering injury, breaking his neck while diving into a pool.
The incident led to a 13-hour surgery, with doctors predicting paralysis from the neck down.
Rebecca Francey, Will's partner, was quick to react, pulling him from the water and ensuring he received immediate hospital care.
She remains in Turkey coordinating with hospitals and insurers to bring Will back to the UK for further treatment.
The pair faces significant financial challenges as the costs involved in Will's ICU stay and eventual medical transport are daunting.
The family urgently seeks £150,000 to cover these expenses, including an estimated £120,000 for transport, which requires medical staff on board, and £2,000 per day for ICU care in Turkey.
In her appeal, Rebecca Francey shared: "We were both just jumping in the pool together and then he just went under..., that was the longest wait of my life. I'm just not thinking too much about the future. I know we're going to have to do at some point, but just really want to just get him home."
Rebecca, along with Will’s parents who are by his side in Turkey, is overwhelmed by the incredible response to their GoFundMe campaign, which has quickly raised substantial support: "The response from everybody back home...It's so heartwarming. It really is. It's like a big hug from home."
Discussing the emotional impact, she shared: "His parents are here with me now. Not a phone call you ever want to have to make to someone's mum and dad to tell them that their son is paralyzed. We just take it every day as it comes and celebrate any little wins that we can."
Despite the distress, the care received in Turkey has been exemplary:
"The surgeon that operated on him was amazing. They did such a good job...the nurses are so kind to him."
While the primary focus is raising funds to support medical expenses, Rebecca also requests thoughts and prayers for Will, emphasizing the importance of encouragement during this challenging time.
The community is urged to continue donating to the GoFundMe page and keep Will in their thoughts, as his recovery journey is supported by an outpouring of love that has reached the pair across an ocean.
The Ponter and Francey families extend heartfelt gratitude for all assistance received during this critical period.