A father-of-two has been left in a coma following a devastating motorbike crash and is now forced to wait three months for NHS rehabilitation, despite doctors stressing that early treatment is essential.
John Jeffrey, 42, from Harlow, Essex, was in a coma for two weeks after the crash on March 15. While he’s breathing without assistance now, he remains unresponsive and urgently requires specialist neurological care.
His wife, Julia, 49, expressed her distress, saying, “My one wish is for him to wake up and know who I am.” To help cover the costs of private rehabilitation while waiting for an NHS bed, the family set up a GoFundMe.
Doctors have emphasized the importance of early treatment during this stage of recovery. Julia expressed frustration, saying, “It’s just so frustrating not being given that option.” King’s College Hospital (KCH) stated that they could no longer care for John after he was airlifted there following the crash. With no space in a neurological hospital for the next three months, KCH plans to transfer him to a local hospital without the necessary specialized care.
Julia shared her frustration, saying the system is broken and that funding should follow the patient, not be based on their location. “The hardest part is being stuck in limbo,” she explained. “If someone passes, you can grieve, but we can’t move on without getting help for John.”
John’s sister, Georgina, spoke of their emotional turmoil, stating that their world had been “destroyed.” She described the surreal experience of hoping for a response from John each day.
The family has raised nearly £10,000 through the fundraiser. Julia expressed gratitude for the support, stating that despite her heartbreak, it restores her faith in humanity.
The Department for Health and Social Care called the situation a tragic example of a struggling NHS, but they are working to reduce waiting lists and improve services for patients.
The NHS and KCH have declined to comment on individual cases.
