THE family of a Belfast man who was left in an induced coma after suffering a "devastating blow" to the head in Australia have revealed he is now out of intensive care and "getting stronger each day".
Less than three weeks after Michael Hyndman was critically injured, his loved ones said yesterday he is making "remarkable progress".
Mr Hyndman, a quantity surveyor, moved to Australia in September with his fiancée Clar to begin a new chapter in their lives.
However, his family received the shocking news on New Year’s Eve that he was in hospital after suffering a head injury following an altercation in Sydney.
Fearing for his life, relatives 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, had to be placed in an induced coma by doctors.
He later underwent surgery to remove part of his skull in a bid to help reduce pressure on his brain.
The young man's family set up a GoFundMe page to try to raise money to help his recovery. The campaign has so far raised more than £16,000.
Mr Hyndman's brother Barry said yesterday he had been moved out of intensive care and is now on a ward specialising in neurological rehabilitation.
He also revealed that one person had been arrested and charged in connection with what had happened and is "currently awaiting a court hearing".
Mr Hyndman said his brother is "now communicating fully and eating small amounts of food".
"His progress is, without a doubt, testament to the person that he is and the love and support he has behind him. Although he still faces many hurdles, he has shown already he is a man of remarkable strength and he has`got this'."
He said Michael is due to face more surgery in the coming weeks so doctors can "reinsert the skull that was removed and following that, he can hopefully begin his journey back to (what we hope and pray is) full health".
"We ask you to continue to pray for Michael as he faces these new challenges.
"We as a family want to once again thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of our hearts, for every ounce of support you have given to us over the past few weeks.
"We have been truly overwhelmed by the genuine offers of all kinds of support, from people near and far, who wanted to help us, to help Michael, on this difficult journey. We cannot express in words what it means to us as a family.
"Although we will never be able to repay you for all the financial help you have selflessly given, we will remember each of you in our thoughts and prayers forever. Thank you."
