Family's appeal after Carrick man injured in Thailand

Ross Davidson travelled to the popular tourist destination for a backpacking trip with friends in early November. 

The 23-year-old had taken a break from studying in Liverpool in order to save for the holiday. 

On December 8, he was riding a motorbike in the northern town of Pai when he had an accident. 

Ross’s aunt, Marcia Armstrong explained:  “It seems like they may have hit a pothole; he and his friend, who was a passenger on the bike were thrown off.” 

While his friend was not seriously injured, Ross was taken to Nakornping Hospital in Chiang Mai.

The extent of his injuries meant the former Carrick Grammar student had to undergo an above knee amputation on his right leg.

And in a further blow, one travel insurance company has so far refused to pay out over the incident.

“Ross’s mum and dad hadn’t gone out [to Thailand] straight away, as his dad works in insurance and they were trying to sort that out for him,” his aunt said. 

“His mum had insisted he take out extra backpacker’s insurance so he actually had two policies, but one of them is taking no more to do with it. They’re saying it’s because he was on the motorbike.”

Friends of the family have set up an online crowdfunding page in the hopes of raising enough money to cover Ross’s treatment.

Meanwhile, his distraught parents, Andrew and Desna flew to Thailand last week. 

In a post on the crowdfunding page, Andrew wrote: “Ross is still in ICU and has a long recovery ahead of him. He still has infections and will need additional surgery. 

“One of his insurance companies are helping us as a ‘goodwill gesture’ and for this we are very grateful. 

“We still need to get Ross home when he is fit to do so and it would be great to keep the fundraising going for this alone.”

To make a donation towards the appeal, visit the JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helprossdavidson