Family crowdfunding to bring retired Edmonton firefighter home from Thailand

Bill Hughes has been in a coma in Thailand since January after contracting Japanese Encephalitis



The family of a retired Edmonton firefighter has launched a crowdfunding campaign to bring him home from Thailand, where he is currently in a coma after contracting a rare blood virus.

Earlier this year, former Edmonton Fire Rescue captain Bill Hughes contracted Japanese Encephalitis after being bitten by an infected mosquito in Thailand.

A statement from his family said he was taken to a reputable private hospital in Thailand, where doctors managed to save his life. But he's been in a coma since January 17.

There is no known cure for the virus. Hughes is described as having lived a healthy lifestyle and kept active throughout his life by competing in triathlons, cycling, running or swimming every day.

Dean Adam, a close friend of Hughes for over 50 years, said that he's shocked that a mosquito bite could do this to someone in good shape.

"It's really hard to believe. He's the picture of health and fitness. It's either run, swim or bike every day for Bill," said Adams.

"If he's got the weather to do it, that's what he did - that's his passion in life, other than his close family members."

Hughes' daughter, Jillian, flew to Thailand shortly after her father's diagnosis and has remained there since. The family's crowdfunding campaign has a goal of $200,000, which the family is hoping to use to bring Hughes back to Edmonton via air ambulance.

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It doesn't say but I have to assume the guy didn't have health insurance.