Builder Left Needing 400 Stitches After Fall On Holiday In Turkey
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WARNING: This article contains some pretty graphic images
A builder from Cumbria was left needing more than 400 stitches in his face after an horrendous fall while on a romantic holiday in Turkey.
Sam Fava was exploring some caves in Cappadocia with his girlfriend Jemima Schaverien when he fell and badly injured his face.
Not only that, he also shattered his heel and fractured his pelvis on one of the last days of their holiday.
It got worse from there, when he was told that his treatment would cost £16,000, and it would be a further £2,000 to get him back to his home in Wigton.
The pair were told that Sam couldn't leave the hospital until they'd settled up the bill, and their insurance would not cover it.
His girlfriend then set up a GoFundMe page to ask for support, and they quickly raised the necessary funds.
In fact, within hours they had the money that they needed, and even more.
In total, they raised £21,000 - more than £3,000 more than they asked for.
The fall occurred when Sam lost his footing and fell three storeys onto some rocks. The pair had been backpacking for a month, but hadn't realised that their insurance was only valid for 24 days.
It was two days after the expiration date that the accident happened.
On the 'Get Sam Home' fundraiser, Jemima wrote: "My name is Jemima Schaverien. I am trying to raise money to pay for my boyfriend, Sam Fava's medical bills.
"Sam fell off a cliff whilst exploring some caves while we were on our holiday in Turkey. He fell from really high and has shattered his heel, fractured his pelvis and split open his face
"Sam has had incredible treatment including major facial reconstruction and over 400 stitches in his face and a plate in his pelvis which has added up to around £16,000.
"Unfortunately after having a huge surgery we have found out both his insurance policies will not cover this.
"We thank God that he has survived and received such incredible treatment."
She added: "I know this is a huge ask but those of you that know Sam know that he is an amazing boy and the world is a better place with him in it.
"We are extremely lucky to still have him in our lives and his family, Sam and I (as well as all his friends) would be so grateful for any contribution to this medical bill and his journey back home.
"Thank you in advance for any donations helping Sam to get home - we are unable to leave the hospital until we have raised this money.
"Any amount you can donate will be extremely helpful and worth every penny!"
So far, they've raised over £23,000, but the fundraiser is still open if you want to chuck them a bit more.
