a day ago
Cwmbran man Ashton Jones unresponsive in Thailand hospital
On May 30 29-year-old Ashton Jones, travelled to Bangkok Thailand with his lifelong friend for a lad's holiday.
Ashton Jones who is currently fighting for his life in a Thai hospital (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) Sadly, just five days later his family received the news that Ashton had been separated from his friend and had undergone extensive emergency brain surgery.
Ashston is currently in a Thai hospital fighting for his life. Because he didn't have any travel insurance his family have set up a GoFundMe to bring him home.
Childhood friend Angela Roden Shepherd aged 50 has been a shoulder for Ashton's family to lean on.
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Speaking about Ashton's condition she said: 'There are a few pictures circulating that are making it look like Ashton is well but he's still being ventilated and still extremely ill.
'He's non communicative and is pretty much unresponsive he's very poorly.'
Angela explained the Thai authorities have been carrying out an investigation.
Ashston Jones's childhood friend Angela Roden Shepherd (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) 'He's got a good lawyer who speaks brilliant English and is very supportive on our side in bringing justice.
'Nobody has been arrested yet, but they are looking for four people and it looks like they are Thai nationals.'
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances Ashton's family find themselves in the family are blown away by the levels of support they've received both locally and internationally.
Angela told the Argus: 'It is really important that the people out there release how grateful we are. We've had people in Scotland and Ireland donate and the post is being shared nationally.
'The support has been overwhelming, and Bev (Ashton's grandmother) can't comprehend how these strangers are supporting her grandson.'
Ashton Jones who is currently fighting for his life in a Thai hospital (Ashton on ventilation) (Image: Angela Roden Shepherd) The family are still in the dark about why Ashton got separated from his friends.
A fundraiser in Cwmbran is being held on July 5, the family are in the process of organising and finalising details.
A spokesperson for The Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting a British man who has been hospitalised in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.'
Out of the £50,000 goal a staggering £20,522 has been raised to help bring Ashton home.
