A couple faced with £45,000 medical bills after a devastating crash in Thailand are flying home today.

Pete Brudenell, 33, from Thanet, and his partner Abbie Sontag had only been in Thailand for a couple of days when tragedy struck.

The pair were travelling from Phuket to Khao Lak in a local taxi when it collided head-on with a lorry.

Both suffered severe injuries in the accident, which happened about two weeks ago, and were admitted to Phuket hospital in Bangkok.

Gillingham FC fan Mr Brudenell had to have emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding, which meant having part of his intestines cut out and then sewn back together.

But their problems got a lot worse when it was discovered Abbie didn't have travel insurance, and therefore would not be covered for any operations.

She believed she had the insurance with her bank, but this was not the case.

Having suffered three broken ribs, a ruptured spleen and bowel, and a break in her spine, it was clear it would be a hefty bill.

A fundraising plea was set up by her family, asking for donations to cover the medical costs.

The GoFundMe page reads: "This doesn't deserve to happen to anyone and for us especially to our sweet, caring, positive, brave and courageous Abbie.

"Please can we ask for anyone to make a donation towards her surgery, it doesn't matter how big or small.

"We cannot thank everyone enough for the support.

"People are still donating right now, you're all incredible. We thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts."

The target was £45,000, and that goal has almost been hit, sitting at £44,685.

Mr Brudenell's friend, Tom Clee, says it was an "incredible effort".

He said: "They're both flying home today, in wheelchairs.

"He's a local boy, he grew up in Margate and went to St George's school in Broadstairs.

"They were aiming to raise £45,000 to cover the costs, and they're only a few hundred off it.
"It was an incredible effort; about £35,000 was raised in less than 24 hours.

"They had a lot of support from friends, family and various companies.

"The crash happened only a couple of days into their holiday so it's a relief for them to be coming home.

"They're still ever so slightly short of their fundraising target - but have been blown away by people's support and generosity.

"Both are still in wheelchairs but, scars aside, should make a full recovery."

Abbie's mum Natalie, stepdad Russ and sister Ellis had got the first available flight to the hospital the day after the accident.

The 28-year-old had not been able to move after the accident, but following a back operation she was able to stand and take a few steps.

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