Glasgow man flies home from Ecuador weeks after bike accident

A Glasgow man who needed emergency brain surgery after falling off his bike and hitting his head while on holiday in South America has flown home to Scotland.

The 25-year-old was rushed to intensive care following the accident in July.

But medical stuff in the Ecuadorean hospital where Dylan spent several weeks recovering deemed him well enough to fly home this week.

Dylan's friend Darryl Foley set up a fundraising page to help cover his spiraling medical bills.

He told Clyde News: "We picked Dylan up from the airport on Wednesday evening and it was so surprising to see him walk through the doors at the arrivals with his bagpack on his back and a smile on his face.

"It was really pleasing to see him like that, considering everything that's happened to him.

"The type of guy he is, he's strong and determined and he would've wanted to walk through those doors."

Dylan was assessed by staff at the Southern General in Glasgow upon his arrival, who referred him to a neurosurgeon, speech therapist and a physio.

Darryl says the effect of spending several weeks in a hospital bed means Dylan has suffered physically.

He said: "He's lost a good bit of weight, he's speaking a bit slower and is getting tired and agitated very quickly. He's got scars on the back of his head and one just above his left eye. He can't really raise his right arm above his shoulder.

"He's still in good spirits, laughing and joking. He's itching to say thanks to everyone who donated money for him.

"It's been really great having him home again."

Family and friends are gathering in Life on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow tonight to help raise funds to cover Dylan's expenses.

Former footballers Nacho Novo, Alex Rae and Frank McAvennie are set to attend, with raffle prizes including a signed Cristiano Ronaldo top and tickets to see Ed Sheeran.

Insurance providers refused to cover Dylan and the family were forced to pay for his treatment out of their own pocket.

Darryl said: "The insurance company still haven't paid out, so we paid half of the hospital bill to get him out. The other half - about $20,000 - will be paid over the next year.

"Hopefully tonight we can raise some funds to pay the majority of that back.

"The family are just delighted to have Dylan home."