An Irish naval officer left in a coma after he was struck by a car during a cycling holiday in Spain has been stabilised by medics.
Donal Goulding, who is a Senior Chief Petty Officer with the Irish Naval Service, was part of a cycling group from Ballincollig in Co.Cork who had travelled to Spain for a cycling holiday when the accident happened earlier this month.
Two of his friends, who were taken to hospital following the collision, have since been released but will stay in Spain for the next few weeks for follow-up treatment.
Donal is currently being treated by medics in Vinalopo Hospital in Elche, south of Alicante.
A GoFundMe set up to help his family members fly to Spain and be by Donal’s bedside raised over €88,000 of its €100,000 target after being flooded with donations.
In an update posted on the page on Thursday, friend Dave O’Leary wrote: ‘Donie remains in a serious condition, we are heartened to share that he has remained stable over the past few days.
‘Given the severity of the injuries he suffered in his cycling accident, this lack of deterioration is a promising sign.
‘Today, doctors successfully performed a tracheotomy. This is a short-term measure designed to assist in reducing sedation levels safely.
‘Increase Donie’s overall comfort while he is on a ventilator.
‘Facilitate further neurological and physical testing as he moves into the next phase of care.
‘The medical team has assured us that this is a standard step in a recovery of this nature and will help Donie as he begins to breathe more independently.’
He said Donie’s family has been by his bedside in Spain since the accident.
‘To remain as responsive as possible to his needs and any clinical changes, the family is staying in accommodation close to the hospital,’ he wrote.
‘The overwhelming financial support and the flood of messages of hope have been a lifeline.
‘This journey would quite simply not be possible without the kindness shown by friends, the cycling community, and the public,’ he added.
He continued: ‘While the support for this GoFundMe has exceeded our wildest dreams, we must remain realistic about the journey ahead. Donie faces a very long road to recovery.
‘There is currently no discussion regarding moving Donie back to Ireland. He must reach a specific level of stability before a transfer can even be considered.’
