A GOLD COAST mum’s “faith in humanity” has been restored after hundreds of locals helped her make a sudden dash to one of Europe’s COVID-19 hot spots to be by her critically injured son’s bedside.
Heartbroken Erika Perry needed to raise $14,000 to cover the cost of the flight, to navigate the tough travel bans and health restrictions – before it is too late.
Her son, local boy Jake Perry, who had recently moved to the UK to be with his three-year-old daughter Ava, was violently assaulted by three men while walking home in Alton, Hampshire on Sunday.
The 24-year-old sustained severe head injuries due to blunt force trauma during the attack and remains in critical condition.
Gold Coast man Jake Perry remains in a critical condition in a UK hospital following an assault over the weekend.
Described as fun and energetic, he remains unconscious in the local hospital clinging to life.
In order to raise the funds to be with him at such short notice, Ms Perry made an emotional plea for assistance on GoFundMe.
She ultimately raised more than $20,000 in less than 24 hours.
Speaking through tears, the single mother talked about her “loving son”, who she said is a great father.
“We have been living on the opposite side of the world for three years,” Ms Perry said in a video she posted online.
“When he arrived to hospital a massive haematoma was found, which caused significant brain swelling and bleeding on the brain.
HUGE LINES AT GOLD COAST TESTING CLINICS
Gold Coast man Jake Perry remains in a critical condition in a UK hospital.
“Jake has been put into an induced coma and is currently on life support in critical condition.
“I am pleading with you to help me – let me be by his side.
“While I am hoping for the best his status is critical and time is of the essence.
“If I am able to see him any time soon it will only be with your help.
“Let me see my son before it is too late.”
Gold Coast mother Erika Perry has made an emergency dash to the UK to be by her injured son’s bedside.
The Australian consulate was able to assist in arranging the flight for Ms Perry on Thursday, who sought special permission to travel due to the current ban on all overseas travel from Australia.
The United Kingdom is currently listed as a code red country via smart traveller due to the virus.
Those who travel to the UK are expected to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Ms Perry later thanked those that helped her secure the vital flight. She was expected to see her son late yesterday Friday.
“I cannot explain how grateful I am, or how much this restores my faith in humanity,” she said.
“All of this has happened so quickly that I could never have imagined it would be possible, but thanks to all those very special people who have helped me through the last 48hrs, it does look like I will be able to see my son.”
It is understood three men have been arrested by UK police in relation to the attack.
Originally published as ‘Let me see him’: Mum’s dash to UK to be with injured son