THE family of a Belfast man who was left critically injured after suffering a "devastating blow" to the head following an altercation in Sydney during celebrations to mark the start of 2018, say he is "making excellent progress".
Quantity surveyor Michael Hyndman moved to Australia in September with his fiancee Clar to begin a new chapter in their lives.
However, Mr Hyndman's family received the shocking news on new year's eve that Michael was in hospital.
Fearing for his life, members of Mr Hyndman's family flew out to be by his bedside.
The 23 year-old, who had been due to start training with Craobh Phadraigh GAA club in Sydney this week, was placed in an induced coma by doctors due to the severity of his injuries.
He later underwent surgery to remove part of his skull in a bid to help reduce pressure on his brain.
His brother Barry Hyndman has revealed that Michael has now been "weaned off sedation" and is "breathing on his own".
"This day last week, life, as we knew it for Michael, was hanging in the balance and yet here today I am thrilled to tell you that Michael is making excellent progress," he said.
"Michael, who faced an unexpected set back at the weekend, has since been gradually weaned off sedation. He is now breathing on his own, he has been communicating for short periods with family members and is able to recall some vital information from before the incident.
"We, as a family, are feeling incredibly blessed at this time. Michael has been through so much this past week and has come out of it, far better than originally anticipated. We cannot thank each and every one of you enough for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers throughout this ordeal".
Despite the signs of progress however his he said his brother's ordeal was "far from over".
"He now faces further assessments, intense therapy and not to mention a second surgery to reinsert the skull that was removed," he said.
"He has a long road ahead but as he’s demonstrated already, he is strong and he doesn’t intend giving up any time soon. We ask you to continue to keep Michael in your thoughts and prayers. We ask you pray that he continues in this direction, that he continues to make this miraculous progress and that he is back to himself in no time at all".
Mr Hyndman also thanked all those who had donated to a GoFundMe campaign page set up to help during his recovery which has so far raised more than £16,500.
"Your tremendous support has been crucial in keeping us strong," he said.
"It has been crucial in sending our family members to be with Michael at his beside and it has been, and will continue to be, crucial in Michael’s truly amazing recovery".
