NI barman and father-of-two fighting for life after ‘devastating brain bleed' on birthday trip to Poland
A fundraiser for a Co Tyrone barman who suffered a 'devastating brain injury' while in Poland has reached over £44k to help support him and his family.
Chris Armstrong, affectionately known as Sid, was involved in a 'tragic incident' in Krakow while celebrating his birthday alongside his wife Jill.
The father-of-two is currently in hospital being treated for an intracranial haemorrhage – bleeding in the brain – which is too dangerous for medics to operate on.
An online fundraising appeal describes Mr Armstrong as a 'gentle soul' and 'loving father and husband.'
It is unclear on how he sustained the injury which has left him in a 'critical but stable' condition.
News Catch Up - Thursday 22 May
Donations now exceed £44k to support the patient and his family, including his children Ben and Nèna – more than 1,200 people have offered financial support on GoFundMe.
'It is with great sadness that we are setting up this GoFundMe to ask for support as the family of Chris Armstrong fondly known as Sid to everyone," the blurb states.
'Sid a caring and loving father and husband. A gentle soul who would help anyone and not ask for anything in return. But who we know would be eternally grateful for any help received.
'Sid has sadly suffered a devastating brain injury due to a tragic incident in Krakow, Poland, whilst celebrating his birthday with wife Jill.
" Sid is currently in Hospital in Poland with an intracranial haemorrhage (bleed to the brain) which unfortunately due to the dangers cannot be operated on.'
The organiser of the fundraising campaign says Mr Armstrong is 'currently critical but stable, however the road ahead is long and uncertain, with it being possibly weeks or months until he recovers or until the severity of his injury is known'.
"It is a waiting game and we must take each day at a time,' the description continues.
Specialised medical facilities will be needed to transport the patient back to his home which will create a 'significant financial burden' for his family.
It is not known when Mr Armstrong will be allowed to return.
'The duration of his stay in hospital in Poland remains uncertain, as he is currently unable to travel due to his medical condition,' the fundraiser states.
"When he is eventually stable enough to be moved, he will require specialised medical transport by land or sea back to Ireland.
"This prolonged and complex situation is expected to result in a significant financial burden.
'We are asking our community, friends and family and anyone who knows Sid, Jill and their children Ben and Nèna to help at this very difficult time.'
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