Help sought for man in coma

Noel Ambrose, a 43-year-old from Mangalore, India, has been at the Rashid Hospital for 67 days due to a brain haemorrhage caused by high blood pressure. He has been working in Dubai for 14 years but was dismissed from his job recently. His wife and two school-going children are literally dependent on the goodwill of strangers as they have no other means of livelihood.

“He was the sole breadwinner of his family. His wife’s family, including his sister-in-law who is deaf and dumb, was also being looked after by him. His two children are now studying in class 10 and 7 and need to continue their studies here,” said Mathew, a volunteer who is helping them.

In 2000, Noel’s mother passed away after a prolonged illness and most of his savings were taken up by her treatment. He soon lapsed into depression and was terminated by his employer and due to his condition was unable to secure a good job.

Two months back Noel complained of a severe headache and within a short time felt numb on one side and could barely stand straight. He was taken to the Dubai Hospital and the duty doctor who examined him advised the family to take him to Rashid Hospital as his blood pressure was rising alarmingly.

Meanwhile, Noel’s condition deteriorated causing brain haemorrhage and a seven-hour operation was performed. He did not recover as expected and remained in the ICU in a coma for 26 days.

Nearly 27 days later, he was moved to the ward.

Mrs Noel has now been offered a job but needs to regularise her visa status to enable her to stay in the country and to continue with the children’s education. Funds are urgently required to pay for the hospital bills and provide air tickets for his return to India as Noel’s family are planning to take him back to Mangalore for further treatment.

For more information, please call Jacintha D’Mello on 050-7484821.