Distraught West Cumbrian parents have launched a plea to find flights to be with their critically ill son in Australia.
Danny Hodgson, a former Carlisle United player, is currently in a coma in a hospital in Perth.
His mum Nicola posted on Facebook last night to ask if anyone could help find her and her husband Peter two seats on a flight to Australia.
She said Danny was the victim of an alleged attack and suffered severe head injuries on Saturday.
She said: “Danny had emergency surgery in Royal Perth Hospital for bleeding to the brain and a brain fracture.
“Danny took a turn for the worse the following day due to more severe brain haemorrhaging and was rushed to theatre for more intrusive brain surgery that lasted for four hours. Danny is currently in an induced coma that could last for weeks or even months.
“We are obviously distraught with what’s happened to our son and are trying desperately to fly to Perth to be by his bedside.
“Since Saturday night, we have been in touch with the British and Australian Embassies, the Detective Acting Police Sergeant who is dealing with the case, Australian Home Affairs, governing bodies and British MPs for support and advice on what we need to do to be with Danny.
“We have just received approval for a three-month tourist visa and also for exemption to fly without having to quarantine once we arrive.
“The main sticking point now is trying to find an airline that can fly us to Perth.
“We have been in touch with all the airlines and have hit a brick wall and its looking like we are going to struggle to get a flight anytime soon.
“This is mainly due to the travel restrictions that the Australian Government have put in place regarding the number allowed to enter weekly which has led to full planes arriving with just 15 people on board flight arriving into Western Australia.
“We have tried every airline possible to see if there are any available flights from anywhere in the UK to Perth but have hit a dead end but keep phoning and trying to see if there’s anything available daily.
“We have been helped by Emirates, Qatar Airline and Dial a flight but there hands are also tied with the numbers allowed to fly on each flight.
“We are desperate to be with Danny by his bedside that’s why we are reaching out to everyone to see If there is anyone out there whether their in the airline industry, MP or someone who has been in a similar situation that can offer some possible advice or can help then please reach out to us as we need to be with him.
“Danny is full of life and has a heart of gold, he is the most kind, gentle and positive person I know who has a passion for life and football.”
Danny played for Windscale and Cleator Moor Celtic football clubs as a youngster before moving to Carlisle in his teens to play for Carlisle United and also played international for Great Britain.
Danny moved to Australia when he was 18 to play football.
Martin Mahone, the current Cleator Moor Celtic manager, said: “We had Danny through the junior age levels at the Celtic and he was a very talented young player – so technically gifted.
“He was a centre forward and had all the tricks.
“He got the chance to join Carlisle United but it didn’t work out there for some reason.
“His uncle and aunt had emigrated to Australia and he decided to go out there as well and try his luck at football Down Under. By all accounts he has done very well.
“It’s an absolute tragedy what’s happened and we are all hoping and praying he pulls through.”
Nicola and Peter will fly to Australia – read the latest update here
