Richard Plummer in hospital in Bali

by Chris Hunter

Motorbike crash victim ­Richard Plummer is set to be flown home from Indonesia, thanks to a last minute loan from a ­mystery benefactor.

The 32-year-old has been in a coma with serious head injuries on the island of Bali since ­crashing on July 1.

Although he fought back from the brink of death last week, doctors said he would probably die unless he gets better medical care than is on offer in Bali.

But the fact Mr Plummer’s travel insurance had lapsed at the time of the crash – thought to be caused by robbers who knocked him from his bike – meant his chances of finding life-saving care were bleak.

An emergency race to find the £80,000 needed for a specialist air ambulance flight began, and Maidstone MP Helen Grant has been working around the clock in an effort to co-ordinate Richard’s care and raise funds.

On Thursday, July 28, she finally received good news.

An unnamed businessman has come forward to cover the cost - now revised to around £70,000.

Richard’s father Eric, who flew out to Bali last week and has spent his life savings on ­Richard’s care, welcomed the news.

“We’re just keeping our fingers crossed – if they don’t deem him fit to fly they won’t take him.

“The big problem was the money and now someone is going to underwrite it.”

The last week, especially with having to leave their son to fly home, had been a traumatic ­experience for Eric and his wife June, who had tried to speak to Richard through his coma.

“At times there was a ­reaction,” said Eric, now home in Loose.

“When we were ­speaking to him he often blinked and sometimes partially opened his eyes.

“A couple of times when my wife held his hand and when I did, he gripped my hand.”

MP Helen Grant said the news of a loan was fantastic but insisted fund raising efforts must continue.

Plans for a fund-raising concert in aid of Richard – who is a keen drummer – are being finalised, while Mrs Grant is organising a charity auction set to take place at Oakwood House in Oakwood Park on Tuesday, August 30.

Further benefit gigs are being organised for three Maidstone venues while ex-workmates are arranging a charity bike ride.