THE family of a Belfast man who suffered a devastating head injury in Australia have asked people to keep praying as he has a "long and very uncertain road still ahead of him".
Michael Hyndman moved to Sydney in September with his fiancee Clar but was left in an induced coma after being injured during an altercation at New Year.
The young quantity surveyor's family set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money to aid his recovery and so far more than £16,000 has been donated.
Barry Hyndman yesterday asked for prayers for his brother, who was due to start training with Craobh Phadraigh GAA club in Sydney this week.
"Michael, this time last week, faced an extremely risky surgery to remove part of his skull to allow for swelling and hopefully reduce pressure on his brain," he said.
"He came through it. He faced days (that felt like years) in an induced coma and has come out the other side of that. He now remains heavily sedated but we have hope, hope, thanks to you all, that Michael will come through this too.
"Although Michael was responding well initially, he faced a minor setback, which has delayed the doctors doing any further assessment on him for now.
"Michael has been fully sedated the last 36 hours and so we ask you to continue to pray for Michael. As previously stated, he has a long and very uncertain road still ahead of him".
Mr Hyndman said the family have been "absolutely overwhelmed by the tremendous support that has been given to us... in this, the darkest hour of our lives".
"It gives us so much faith, not just in our local community, but in people near and far, people close to our hearts and those we’ve never met," he said.
"People who’ve heard Michael’s story and despite their own obstacles in life, have selflessly offered their support. We feel humbled by the kindness and generosity shown to us, and truly blessed to have Michael still with us today."
He added that his brother is a "strong person" who now has "an army of support behind him".
"An army willing him to get better, an army thinking of him daily and praying for his recovery. An army who’ve generously donated to his cause, who’ve helped his nearest and dearest to be by his bedside.
"You are his army, and you have without a doubt made this treacherous journey somewhat more bearable and for that we will be forever grateful."
Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/michael-needs-your-help-today.
