Bilal from Pakistan to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The last time we raised funds for Bilal was a year ago (August 2016) as he gained Sponsorship to go to Riyadh and work for a Supermarket fresh food distributer as a delivery driver. Bilal was very excited and although the pay wasn't great it was more than he could earn in Pakistan. Bilal's life in Pakistan was of poverty as he lived in a village with his mum, dad, siblings as well as grandparents. The family saw the sponsorship as once in a lifetime opportunity. We raised the money from family members and friends within the UK without the need for a justgiving page. The funds enabled Bilal to pay agent fees and for his plane ticket to Riyadh.

Car Accident

Bilal was doing great in Riyadh. He settled in sharing a room with other foreign workers and worked hard earning money, most of which he sent to Pakistan to support his family. In February 2017 Bilal made the trip to the holy site of Makkah and completed the Umrah pilgrimage.

Unfortunately 3 days after completing Umrah Bilal was involved in a serious car accident whilst undertaking his delivery work.

National Care Hospital

Bilal was rushed to the National Care Hospital ICU in Riyadh where he was in a coma for 3 months. The surgeons operated on his broken legs as well as undertaking a tracheostomy to allow him to breath. The medical staff and managers at the hospital have been fantastic. The support they have given to Bilal has been very touching. Many of the nurses who work at the hospital are from the Philippines and are privileged that they speak fluent English. Myself and other family members have spent the last six months phoning the hospital on a daily basis and then contacting Pakistan to provide an update to Bilal's father and the extended family as naturally they were devastated. The pain was more so as they were unable to visit Bilal due to visa complications nor call the hospital themselves as they do not speak English or Arabic. They received update through family members in the UK as well as a couple of Bilal's friends in Riyadh. We are also very thankful to brothers Ijaz, Idrees, Maskeen and Ahmed who visited Bilal regularly, spoke with the hospital staff and liaised with us regularly. May Allah reward all of them greatly.

Bilal on the road to recovery

The last couple of months Bilal has improved greatly. He is now able to recognise people and partially understand instructions. This week the hospital removed his nose feed and he is now eating puree format food through his month. He is still unable to speak and is immobile but the hospital have advised that now is the right time for him to return to Pakistan as being amongst family and familiar surroundings will contribute further to his recovery. The plan is for Bilal to return to Pakistan next week. Bilal's family are happy to hear the news of his return but apprehensive at the same time due to costs of medical care in Pakistan.

Where will your money go?

So far Bilal's hospital care costs in Riyadh have been covered by his employers insurance company. They will also cover the cost of his return to Pakistan where he will be accompanied by a Doctor and Nurse. In Pakistan, as requested by the National Care Hospital, we have made arrangements for an Ambulance to be waiting for him at the airport and taken to hospital.

The cost of medical care in Pakistan is not free as there is no NHS in operation and the insurance company only covers costs in Saudi Arabia. Every medical treatment Bilal receives will need to be paid for. The cost of the care is not cheap. We have been advised the cost will be at least £100 a day.

The funds raised will be used to pay for the medical care, medicine as well as cost to enable Bilal to live a comfortable life as possible back at home. We will look to buy any medical items needed to help him in his continued journey to recovery. Please help us to raise the funds needed for Bilal.

Thank you for taking the time to read Bilal's story. If you are unable to support financially please keep Bilal in your prays.