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Bearsted dad in critical condition at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after Scotland quad bike accident

A dad-of-two is fighting for his life after being flung from a quad bike while on holiday in Scotland.

Phil Brown, from Bearsted, was airlifted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital with major head injuries after the accident. He remains in a critical condition.

Phil Brown, from Bearsted, with his wife, Katie Eston, and children Betsy and Ted. Picture: Adam Bond
Phil Brown, from Bearsted, with his wife, Katie Eston, and children Betsy and Ted. Picture: Adam Bond

The 34-year-old had been away in Ireland with friends and his partner, Katie Eston, across the weekend of February 25, celebrating a pal's 40th birthday.

Adam Bond, who was on the trip, said: "We returned back to Kent but Phil continued on to Scotland to meet with other friends as part of an extended holiday.

"We don’t have all the details of the accident, however we understand that Phil was a passenger on a quad bike.

"Tragically, after the driver tried to correct a wrong turn, Phil was flung from the bike and hit a tree on March 1.

"The crash has left Phil with major head injuries and he now remains in a medically-induced coma."

He is being treated at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital. Picture: Google Maps
He is being treated at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital. Picture: Google Maps

To try to support Phil's partner and his children – Betsy, eight, and Ted who is four – Adam created a GoFundMe page in the hope any small contribution would help ease financial pressure.

But in just four days £30,000 was raised – and the total is still rising.

Adam said: "We originally set a target of £10,000 knowing that any financial contribution would remove a small amount of stress while Phil, who is self-employed, fights for his life in hospital.

"We’ve been blown away by the response, and in just a few days we’ve raised £31,775 from more more than 600 people.

"Phil is 6ft 6in, large in stature and personality; he’s a huge character in any room.

Phil Brown, from Bearsted, with his daughter, Betsy. Picture: Adam Bond
Phil Brown, from Bearsted, with his daughter, Betsy. Picture: Adam Bond

"The reaction to his GoFundMe page just shows how much we, and many others, love him and want him to return home to his family in Kent."

Donations of all sizes have been made with one person sending £1,000.

Adam will ensure that all the money goes directly to Phil's partner and children.

He added: "Katie and the kids are based in Aylesford and have commitments here in Kent.

"But they have a need and desire to be in Scotland by Phil’s side for as long as necessary.

Phil with his wife, Katie. Picture: Adam Bond
Phil with his wife, Katie. Picture: Adam Bond

"We’re still praying that Phil will make a recovery, but whatever that recovery may be it will inevitably be a long one, and as such we’re continuing to fundraise to allow his family to remain by his side."

Phil remains in the intensive care unit in a critical condition.

His loved ones have described him as a "man mountain and friendly giant with a big personality."

Adam said: "Katie is by his side, as she has been for last 14 years, and doing everything she can to bring him home to their children.

"Phil recently started his own business and his hospitalisation means there is added pressure on Katie and the family at a very difficult time."

Phil with his son, Ted. Picture: Adam Bond
Phil with his son, Ted. Picture: Adam Bond

On March 6, Katie, 32, took to the GoFundMe page to share her gratitude to everyone who had donated.

She said: "There will never be enough words to thank you all for the love, kindness and support being showed to us all during this awful time.

"Even though I may not respond, I read every message, note or comment and it gives me so much hope that Phil can feel how much he is loved.

"If I could individually thank every single person that has called, messaged, donated or prayed for Phil, I would.

"Phil still remains in an extremely critical condition and we are taking each day as it comes.

Smiles from Phil and daughter, Betsy. Picture: Adam Bond
Smiles from Phil and daughter, Betsy. Picture: Adam Bond

"We can’t look to the future at the moment but I hope and pray that he will one day be able to thank you for himself."

If you would like to support Phil, you can visit the GoFundMe page here.

Adam added: "They say the true measure of a man is in the number of people that show up for him when he needs them most.

"If that’s true then this GoFundMe page tells you everything you need to know about Phil.

"He’s genuinely the strongest guy I know and fighting with everything he has."

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