DARRYL McGeown, the assault victim who was airlifted to the UK with severe injuries before Christmas, has finally returned home to the island.
After more than three weeks away at Walton Neurological Hospital in Liverpool, the Peel man was passed fit to travel home on Monday, and flew back on Tuesday evening.
After suffering head injuries which saw him unconscious and in intensive care for 10 days before waking up on Christmas Day, doctors were waiting to see signs of improvement on a bleed on Mr McGeown’s brain before allowing him to leave.
Monday’s scan showed enough of a recovery to satisfy the medics, and a pre-flight medical exam on Tuesday morning gave the green light for him to travel home.
Wife Sharon has been at the 33-year-old’s side through the entire stay at Walton, although the father-of-three was still in a coma at the time of the visit of his children – who flew home on Christmas Eve just 24 hours before their father woke – meaning this week was a family reunion after being in the UK since December 15.
Friend and Western Vikings Rugby Club team-mate Mike Sheeley said he received a text from Darryl to say he was happy to be home, and hoping to be on the sidelines on Saturday afternoon to cheer on his club in their match against Vagabonds B.
Mr Sheeley has been at the heart of the fundraising effort that saw thousands of pounds donated to the McGeown family to help with travel, accommodation and recovery costs, and plans are afoot for the surplus money to be used to start a new victim support charity.
‘It’s something we’ll get started with next week as I think Darryl and Sharon will want to be involved,’ said Mike, adding that friends are planning to leave the family in peace over the next few days.
‘We’ve had a lot of people come forward offering to help, including the guys at Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation who used to play football with Darryl.’
Much of the recovery starts now for Mr McGeown as he adjusts back to life at home and out of full-time care. His injuries left him weaker on his right side – the side that took the impact – and struggling with balance, though physiotherapy will help improve his strength and steadiness.
He also lost a remarkable three stone in weight while in a coma, and had no recollection of the incident outside a Douglas nightclub that led to the injuries.
l Liam Priestnal, aged 17, of Douglas, was bailed after being charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm following the incident on Douglas promenade. The case has been adjourned until February 12 for committal to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.
