A family from Peterlee are desperate to bring their critically ill son home from Spain.
The family are making a heartfelt plea for help to bring their loved one, Michael Spencer, 25, back home from Spain, where he is fighting for his life in an intensive care unit.
Michael’s sister Sam Spencer, along with his family, have launched a GoFundMe campaign, urgently seeking financial support to cover the costs of returning him and his mother to the UK in time for Christmas.
Michael, described by his father Martin Spencer as “one of the most gorgeous, and just awesome people you could ever meet,” was admitted to hospital during what was supposed to be a short holiday in Benidorm for his one week off work.
He is now in critical condition, suffering from multiple organ failure and under mechanical ventilation.
His mother, Alison Spencer, has flown to Spain to be by his side, however, the financial burden of keeping her in Spain and securing medical transport for Michael is beyond what the family can manage alone.
This his father said had deeply affected Michael as he has “never been the same since.”
This hospital admission marks the second time he has required critical care, says the GoFundMe page.
Tragically, he is now in a coma, with doctors reporting that his kidneys and liver are in critical condition, and currently, there is limited brain activity.
Despite the circumstances, his family are holding onto hope as they see small signs of response.
Michael raised his eyebrows during a recent visit, an indication that he may be hearing his family’s words even while in the coma.
The situation has been emotionally devastating for Michael’s seven siblings, who worry not only about his health but also about the future he may face if he survives.
The family is determined to bring him back to the UK where he can receive the long-term support and care he needs.
However, his liver remains severely compromised, and he continues to rely on kidney dialysis.
His family members are clinging to these small victories, but they acknowledge that the road ahead is uncertain and filled with unknowns about Michael’s future and physical recovery.
The campaign aims to raise enough funds to sustain Michael’s mother's stay in Spain as she supports him and ultimately to bring him home to the UK as his medical travel insurance unfortunately doesn’t cover medical transfers.
The family’s hope is to have him back with loved ones by Christmas, a time that carries added emotional significance as they are such a large yet close family.
His dad said: “It has been incredible to see when you think no one is there yet you see the outpouring of love from strangers for Michael.
“He is worth everything I can give him and more and we are all just desperate to have him back where we can all be by his side.
“It is honestly our worst nightmare, but we cannot appreciate enough the support.”
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Michael's story highlights the silent battles many face with mental health issues and the critical need for resources, understanding, and support systems, both at home and abroad.
The family’s GoFundMe page has seen an outpouring of community support, yet the road to their financial goal remains long.
As Christmas approaches, the family continues to hope for a miracle that will bring Michael back to health and back home, where he belongs.
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