University covers medical costs of student who fell from Mexican balcony
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by Katie Lamborn
The family of a former Dartford Grammar School pupil who fell
from a balcony on his gap year - have had their £70,000 medical
bill paid by their son's university.
Philip Pain, from Bexleyheath, was
in Mexico when the incident happened on New Year's
Eve.
His parents Sally and Neil were due to sell their house to pay
for the medical bills and the cost of their son's flight
home.
"It was a complete breakthrough," says Philip's mother
Sally.
"When Southampton University stepped in instructing their
insurers to cover the cost I couldn't believe it.
"I felt awful telling the people who'd made the offer on our
house but once they'd found out the circumstances behind
our decision they were incredibly understanding."
Philip's family say he took his travel insurance out with AXA
but that the company hasn't come forward with anything
yet.
When the student was in coma at Mazatlan Hospital after
the incident a campaign was set up - spearheaded by brother and
sister - for his rare type-O negative blood.
The facebook campaign by Lawrence and Stephanie saved their
brother's life - donors came forward on both sides of
the Atlantic.
The 20 year-old is recovering in Kings College Hospital after an
operation to put a foot-long nail into his right lower leg.
Sally hopes this will be his last major operation.
"Despite potentially facing life in a wheelchair he's
really really positive," said Sally.
"The next step for Philip is intense physiotherapy. He was
told by one of the nurses it would be tough, like a full-time
job.
"He turned around and said to me 'Good. Bring it on."
Friday, May 07 2010
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