A BRITISH tourist was left fighting for his life after he broke his back while diving into the sea in Mallorca.
The construction worker, named as 27-year-old Ardi Balliu, is in a critical condition and on life support following the tragic accident at Calo d’es Moro, his family told the Daily Mirror.
Balliu had been visiting the popular cove with a friend when he leapt head-first into the water – but his friend said he was gripped with fear when Balliu failed to resurface moments later.
As his friend called for help, other swimmers rushed to assist and brought Balliu back to shore.
The construction worker told those helping him that he could not feel his legs while lying on the beach before being airlifted to hospital.
His family has since launched a fundraiser to bring him home as he remains in hospital, still fighting for survival.
Balliu’s cousin, Ingrid Kaca, told the Mirror: “He is currently in a critical state. He is on life support as he is unable to breathe by himself.
“We have been told that he may never walk again, with a high chance that he could be fully paralysed.
“He is currently on a lot of medication and is still unconscious.”
She added: “A lot of family members and friends have travelled to Mallorca to be at Ardi’s side in hospital.
“It is a shock. He is 27 and very active; everyone is deeply worried. We are devastated. Words can’t describe how heartbroken everyone is.”
The Balliu family has already raised more than £41,000 (€48,000) via GoFundMe.
They say they are still several thousand pounds short of their £55,000 goal, amid mounting medical, travel, and aftercare costs.
Kaca told the Mirror: “The money will help with medical bills and the eventual transport of him back to the UK.
“The funds will also support future care, such as home adaptations. It will also relieve financial pressure on the family so they can focus entirely on being by Ardi’s side.”
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