Devastating holiday images reveal the critical condition of a British traveler in Asia fighting for his life after contracting a severe illness. Gavin Arulnayagam, 24, fell ill during his visit to the Philippines, where an infection progressed into Guillain-Barré syndrome, a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting mobility.
Hailing from Ilford, East London, Gavin is currently hospitalized in intensive care, relying on a ventilator and continuous medical interventions to sustain his life. His family and girlfriend are by his side, providing round-the-clock care amid strained hospital resources.
Despite ongoing treatment, Gavin struggles with basic functions like swallowing, walking, and neck support. Salvador Sanchez, a close friend who witnessed Gavin’s condition firsthand, expressed shock at the drastic change in his once socially active companion’s health.
Gavin faces an extended hospital stay for recovery without travel insurance, leading to exorbitant treatment costs of approximately £3,000 per day. Repatriation to the UK is estimated to cost between £200,000 and £300,000. To alleviate the financial burden, Salvador initiated a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise £100,000 for Gavin’s family, with donations currently nearing £13,000.
Salvador, 21, who met Gavin while traveling, emphasizes the urgent need for support as Gavin battles Guillain-Barré syndrome in the ICU. The mounting medical expenses have placed a significant strain on Gavin’s family, prompting the fundraising effort to aid in covering essential costs during his recovery.