Colchester family fighting to bring Patrick Sabberton home

Patrick Sabberton’s loved ones need to raise £180,000 to bring him home from hospital in Shanghai, China, after he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in Asia.

The catastrophic illness occurs when blood from an artery suddenly begins bleeding into the brain.

The 43-year-old, who is a musician and teaches the violin at a British international school, fell ill on January 12 and has remained in a coma since.

His sister Claire, 34, said the news came as a huge shock to the family, who live in Colchester.

Against all odds, having battled pneumonia in intensive care for several months, Mr Sabberton has now been deemed stable enough to be repatriated by air to a hospital in London.

Music teacher - Patrick Sabberton

It will come at a huge cost, however, with his insurance company stating it will not cover the £180,000 costs of his medical evacuation.

“You just don’t expect something this shocking to happen to someone aged just 43,” said Claire.

“We desperately want Patrick to come home as we feel being close to his family will aid his recovery.

“We weren’t able to go out to China because of strict lockdown rules, so it has been really difficult. Getting information on his condition and how he’s doing has been tough.

“It’s almost difficult to acknowledge this has happened because he’s been at such a distance, it just doesn’t feel real."

Violin - Mr Sabberton teaches music in Shanghai, China

Supporters have piled in since a fundraiser launched in aid of the former Alderman Blaxill School student last week, with more than £65,000 being raised via 317 donations amid a monumental effort.

“We’re trying to do what we can with a really difficult situation and we’re overwhelmed with what has been donated so far,” continued Claire.

“It’s a huge comfort to know people have been so generous and kind.

“There’s so much we want to know but we’re trying to stay strong for Patrick - we want to bring him home.”

You can support the fundraiser via bit.ly/3BsjlmP.