British Ski Instructor Hospitalised in France with Severe Injuries
A young British ski instructor is facing a long and challenging recovery in France after sustaining life-altering injuries in a serious alpine accident. Ben Clubb, aged 24 and originally from Eye in Suffolk, suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured spine following an unwitnessed fall while skiing in the prestigious resort of Courchevel on December 21st.
Critical Care and Coma Following Helicopter Rescue
After the severe fall, Ben was airlifted by helicopter to Grenoble Hospital, where he received urgent critical care. His condition was so serious that he was placed in a medically induced coma, a state he remained in until the New Year period. Medical teams have been working tirelessly to stabilise his condition.
His family and friends have reported that Ben has shown remarkable fortitude during this initial critical phase. They describe his strength and determination as incredible, noting that he has successfully navigated the most perilous stage of his medical crisis. However, they are keen to emphasise that his arduous journey towards recovery is only just beginning.
Community Rallies with Fundraising Appeal for Repatriation
In response to the devastating situation, loved ones have launched a public fundraising campaign to support Ben's needs. The appeal, hosted on the GoFundMe platform, aims to cover the significant costs associated with his safe repatriation to the United Kingdom and the subsequent specialist rehabilitation he will require.
The campaign has struck a chord with the public, raising more than £13,000 in just a matter of days. This swift community response is working towards an initial target of £16,000, with nearly 350 individual donations already received. The funds are desperately needed, as Ben's existing insurance coverage is reportedly insufficient to fully cover the expenses for repatriation or the specialised therapy and equipment essential for his recovery.
Signs of Progress Amidst Daunting Challenges
There have been some positive signs in Ben's condition recently. He is now extubated and breathing with only minimal oxygen support. Encouragingly, he is showing movement in all four limbs and is able to respond to basic commands, such as squeezing a hand or using blinks to answer yes-or-no questions. He has even managed the occasional wink and thumbs-up gesture.
Ben, who previously worked as a snowsports coach during his time at Loughborough University, now faces a complex path ahead. While his spinal fracture is currently stable and does not require immediate further surgical intervention, the full extent of his cognitive injuries is still being assessed. His cognitive recovery process has only just commenced, and the long-term prognosis will become clearer as his rehabilitation progresses.
An Urgent Call for Support to Bring Ben Home
Helen Walker, the organiser of the fundraising effort, has issued a heartfelt plea for assistance. She stated that while emotional support has been flowing to Ben through his close family and his girlfriend, Ella, the situation now demands practical and financial help. The priority is to secure his safe return to the UK so he can begin accessing the intensive, specialist rehabilitation necessary to regain his independence.
The appeal underscores a critical gap in support, highlighting that the costs for specialist equipment and long-term therapeutic care are substantial and not fully covered. The community's generosity is now seen as vital to bridging this gap and giving Ben the best possible chance at rebuilding his life following the tragic accident in the French Alps.
