‘I’m kindly asking everyone to read and share our story ’

Hi my name is Sarah-Jane Gore and my brother is Matthew Staker.

Our entire world has come crashing down in a split second, and we feel no other option other than to share our story in the hope of gaining some support to bring our dad and grandad of 4 home. For those who know him, you will understand just how loved and cherished he is. Many will recognise him as the long-time manager of The Stag pub on New Road in Portsmouth, a place where I am sure countless memories have been made.

Four years ago, my dad chose to pursue a different lifestyle in Thailand, and despite the distance, he has never regretted his decision. However, on Tuesday, July 8th, everything changed. He collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok after experiencing severe pain in his legs. Unfortunately, he was unable to move them, and although the doctors wanted to keep him overnight for observation, he had to refuse due to the high costs associated with his stay. His only source of income is his pension. The doctors administered morphine for the pain and sent him back to his apartment in an ambulance.

Determined to find some pain relief, he returned to the hospital the very next day, July 9th, due to the intense pain and a burning sensation in his legs. He received more morphine and was scheduled for a scan the following day before being taken back to his apartment.

By the time the scan was carried out on July 10th, my dad had lost the ability to move from the waist down. My Dad was paralysed. Despite his condition, he was sent back to his apartment with a follow-up appointment on July 13th to discuss the results. Alarmingly, he had not been given a catheter during this period, and with his paralysis, he had no means to relieve himself. Concerned for his health, I urged him to return to the hospital on July 11th to have a catheter fitted, as I knew he couldn't go this long without emptying his bladder.

On July 14th, we received devastating news, the results from the scan were back and they changed our lives forever: my dad was diagnosed with a tumour on his lower back that was pressing against his spinal cord causing the pain. At that moment, he was once again sent back to his apartment because he couldn't afford any further treatment. The only thing he was given was a CD containing all the scan images.

Now, my dad is alone and bedridden in Thailand, relying solely on an elderly friend who assists him when possible. He is unable to feed himself or even get a glass of water. He’s been stuck in his room, without even a television to occupy his time.

We are facing a daunting choice: a commercial flight back home, which would require booking a business class seat to accommodate his stretcher. We received quotes ranging from £27,000 to £30,000, but after lots of new quotes now have a new one for £13,000 which will fly him business class with 2 escorts and then once landed straight to QA in Portsmouth, The alternative is for him to receive treatment in Thailand, but that option is also significantly expensive, prompting me to seek the least expensive route of bringing him home. I’m also mindful that if treatment goes wrong out there like I am very aware it has before, we are going to be in even a worse position than we are now, even though I would never imagine that’s possible.

I am pleading for your help. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean a lot to us during this difficult time. I know these are tough times for everyone, but any support to help bring my dad home would be greatly appreciated. Even if it’s a pound, every contribution helps, and I would be so grateful.

All I want is to get my dad home with hopefully the help of our NHS and for him to be surrounded by his family.

Thanks for reading. I’m literally praying with everything I have right now.