EastEnders star Jake Wood has appealed to fans to help raise money for a BBC colleague who was left in a coma and requiring multiple emergency surgeries after falling from an 11-storey building in Colombia
EastEnders star Jake Wood has made an urgent plea to supporters to contribute towards a fundraising drive for a BBC workmate who remains in a coma following a devastating accident that necessitated numerous emergency operations.
Connor, an electrician on the Albert Square production, was enjoying a Christmas break in Colombia when he plummeted from an 11-storey building’s rooftop, prompting the creation of a crowdfunding campaign to secure his ongoing vital medical care.
Jake, known for his portrayal of Max Branning, praised Connor as a “top man” who is “respected by everyone who works at the studios” whilst promoting the fresh GoFundMe initiative to his 193,000 Instagram followers.
“It’s a miracle that he has survived,” he informed his audience, adding: “He has a family and his mum has flown out to be with him. Here is the link to a GoFundMe page that has been set up in his name as money is desperately needed to pay for medical bills and to hopefully get him home.”
By Tuesday afternoon on December 6, the campaign had accumulated £22,800 towards its £26,000 goal, reports the Mirror.
Notable contributors included Jake himself with a £200 donation, whilst Gillian Taylforth and Emma Barton each pledged £100, and Jacqueline Osborne contributed an additional £200.
Adam Woodyatt also appears among the donors with £100, alongside Francesca Henry. Victoria Dean, who organised the page, explained that Connor’s family were uncertain if his travel insurance would cover the escalating medical costs.
“Whilst travelling in Colombia over Christmas, Connor was admitted to hospital following a fall from the 11th storey. Connor has undergone multiple life-saving procedures and is currently in ICU in critical condition in Colombia,” she penned.
She also highlighted the uncertainty around when his insurance might pay out, and appealed to “those who know Con, if they can help in any way, no matter how small, to cover medical bills to ensure he gets the vital treatment that he needs and for specialist transport back to the UK once he is medically fit enough to travel.”
She portrayed the electrician as “a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and is clearly meant to be here as it is a miracle that he survived the fall.”
An update on January 2 revealed that Connor spent nine days in a coma but was “off of medical ventilation and breathing with minimal support”, adding that he was still in ICU and under light medical sedation “but aware that Denise is there and is responding to her”.
“He was due to have another surgery today” the post continued, “but this has been delayed and we are hoping to get a date for next week. Thank you so much for all of your support, it really means the world to all of us. Love from Denise and family Xxxx.”
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