Derbyshire dad left fighting for life after holiday fall

A young Derbyshire father is fighting for his life in a hospital in Malta after a fall which has left him in a coma.
Daniel Goldstraw and his son Alby.Daniel Goldstraw and his son Alby.
Daniel Goldstraw and his son Alby.

Now 27-year-old Daniel Goldstraw’s family faces an agonising wait with no guarantees from medical staff over his recovery.

Daniel, of Buxton, who only became a father to son, Alby, five months ago, was on the island for a wedding when the accident happened.

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He and a friend had arrived back at their accommodation after a night out in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Welder Daniel, of Silverlands, fell from a wall while trying to get to the back of the apartment he was sharing with friends, to avoid waking them up.

The seriousness of his injuries meant the father-of-one had to be taken straight to hospital.

On the same day Daniel underwent major surgery to stop a brain bleed and is now on a ventilator.

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Daniel’s brother Tom Goldstraw, 25, said the family was in bits.

He added: “It’s devastating for us. You just do not expect anything like this to happen - not when you are going to a wedding.

“So many people - hundreds really - have been trying to contact us to find out how he is but it’s hard to respond to them all.

“We are overwhelmed by the love and support being sent to us and really appreciate it.

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“I know I am Dan’s brother so I would say this, but he is just a very caring person and a brilliant father to Alby and a loving partner to Sally. He has more friends than I know”

As soon as Daniel’s family heard the news they flew out to Malta to be by his side.

His partner, Sally Kitchen, mum and dad Steve and Wendy and brother Tom are all on the island waiting for him to recover.

“It is just so heartbreaking for us”, said Tom. “The doctors are keeping him in an induced coma to allow his body to slowly heal and we know it will take some time and we just have to wait and not expect too much too soon.

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“At this stage the doctors really do not know how long he will need to be in hospital or the extent of the injuries.”

Sally and the family have secured a long-term apartment while they wait for Daniel’s recovery.

Dan’s friend Alex Mazari has started a Just Giving fundraising appeal to help support the family.

In just three days it has raised £6,740 - a testament to the strength of feeling for Dan.

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A fundraising barbecue will also be held at Buxton’s Trunk bar on Sunday. Entry costs £5.

All money raised from the entry charge and the barbecue and a donation from the drink profits will be used to support Dan’s family while they wait for his recovery.

To make a donation click here.

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