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Surf coach Mark Richardson is “back from the brink of death” and itching to get back home after being medically evacuated from Bali to Darwin more than a week ago.
Key points:
Mark Richardson was medically evacuated from Bali more than a week agoHe remains in hospital in DarwinMore than 400 people have raised money to support him
The Gold Coast father has been in hospital for weeks due to complications stemming from a severe stomach ulcer and a bacterial infection, for which he was first treated in Indonesia, friend Fiona Meyer said.
Mr Richardson’s rare A negative blood type and a lack of supply for blood transfusions also proved difficult.
He has been recovering in Darwin after being medically evacuated from Bali and is likely to remain in hospital for an extended period of time after undergoing more stomach surgery on Friday night to manage internal bleeding.
Ms Meyer said doctors were happy with how the surgery went but wouldn’t know whether it had been successful until 24 hours after the procedure.
“He’s been quite desperate to get home,” she said.
“He just wants this to be over and done with so he can get well enough to fly home.”
Ms Meyer said it would have been an uncomplicated fix if it had happened in Australia.
“He was obviously unaware of all this when he went on his holiday, so it’s just really unfortunate that it happened there as opposed to here,” she said.
“It probably wouldn’t have been a near-death situation if he had of been in Australia and had medical care straight up.”
‘Overwhelmed by support’
More than 440 people have raised just over $45,000 through an online fundraiser in support of Mr Richardson.
Ms Meyer said he had spent time in hospital reading through the messages of support.
“It’s been quite an emotional time for him, I think, coming out of ICU and reflecting on all of that … seeing what people have done for him,” she said.
“He was just absolutely blown away by the response and so incredibly grateful.”
Ms Meyer said it was not clear when Mr Richardson would be well enough to return to the Gold Coast.
“He’s desperate to come home and see his son and family,” she said.
“We’d like to thank the community for stepping up at a time of need when he was on the brink of death.”
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