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Richard Bay back in Canada

Richard Bay, injured in Honduras, is now in Foothills Hospital
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Richard Bay is now at Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

Carolyn Grant

It is at once a cautionary tale and a heart-warming story.

Kimberley's Richard Bay is back in Canada after friends and well-wishers raised enough money to transport him home after an accident in Honduras left him severely injured.

His sister Lisa Bay reports that Richard arrived back in Canada about midnight this past Friday and was admitted to Calgary's Foothills Hospital. He had surgery the next day to replace all the pins in his shattered leg. He had six surgeries in Honduras prior to returning to Canada.

"He went for surgery Saturday afternoon and is doing great," she said.

Richard was hurt when his motorcycle was hit by a bus a few weeks ago. His family put out a fundraising appeal in order to bring him home. His medical bills were not covered because his travel insurance had lapsed. That is the cautionary tale. For about $50, insurance would have covered all the expenses, which sister Lisa says are looking to be about $75,000 including medical bills and transportation.

But the fundraising, which included an event at Wycliffe Regional Park this past weekend that raised $7,500, has been heart-warming, Lisa says.

"Thank you, Richard France, and everyone who helped make the event a success! This will put our total at over 33,000.

“We as a family would like to thank the community for supporting us. Richard has a long road ahead of him, and we appreciate all the kindness and love that has been sent our way.”

Richard’s flight home was with Trinity Air Ambulance International. Employees of Trinity saw the story about Bay and stepped in to help. For a reduced rate they flew Richard from Honduras to Houston and on to Calgary.

For now, Richard remains in hospital at Foothills. And if you are in Calgary, please drop by, Lisa says.

“The care he is receiving in Calgary is amazing and we are very hopeful that Richard will recover fast. His spirits are high and he is looking forward to having visitors.”