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Belfast man in coma in Australia after suffering 'devastating blow' at New Year

Belfast man Michael Hyndman who is in an induced coma in Australia after suffering a "devastating blow to the head" during an altercation at New Year
Belfast man Michael Hyndman who is in an induced coma in Australia after suffering a "devastating blow to the head" during an altercation at New Year Belfast man Michael Hyndman who is in an induced coma in Australia after suffering a "devastating blow to the head" during an altercation at New Year

THE family of a GAA player - in an induced coma in Australia after suffering a "devastating blow" to the head - have appealed for funds to aid his recovery.

Michael Hyndman moved to Sydney in September with his fiancee to begin a "new and exciting chapter in their book of life" however his family have said they are now in a "living nightmare".

Setting up a GoFundMe page, the quantity surveyor's loved ones said Michael and his fiancee Clar and Michael's brother, Christopher had been "celebrating the dawn of a new year" when he suffered a blow to the head during an altercation.

"On 1st January 2018 (Australian time) our family was catapulted into, what can only be described as a living nightmare," the family said.

Mr Hyndman has since undergone surgery and has since been put in an induced coma.

The family revealed that Michael and Clar had both secured jobs in Australia shortly after arriving in September and had also recently celebrated their engagement.

The family said they were fundraising to allow loved ones "to be at Michael’s bedside (for as long as is necessary) as he fights this, the hardest battle of his life".

"He really needs them there and they need to be there to support him through this. Michael has a long road to recovery and we don’t want financial worries to prevent him having what he needs to make a full recovery.

"Michael has an uncertain road ahead of him but he is strong and we are all hoping and praying that he pulls through this and comes out the other end..."

The family also moved to thank those who had so far helped raised more than £11,400.

"We truly appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, offers of support and financial help and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you".

Craobh Phadraigh GAA Club in Sydney, where Michael was due to start training next week, said it was "shocked" to hear what had happened the Belfast man.

Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/michael-needs-your-help-today