David Nicholson, a renowned youth football and swimming coach within the local community is currently recovering from a massive heart attack in the intensive care unit at Modern International Hospital.
The 68-year-old Briton has made the UAE his home for the past 26 years since retiring from duty with the Royal Marines, 14 of which he has spent nurturing young talent in the pool and on the pitch.
He suffered the attack at his residence near Al Diyafa Street last week and was rushed to the hospital by his 22-year-old son Tony.
The father of five had not been in the best of health in recent weeks and had also been suffering from pneumonia which had congested his lungs.
Though Tony said his father's present condition is "critical but stable", a financial dilemma that is mounting by the day isn't making matters any easier for him and his family.
"My dad has so many health problems that it has been hard for him to get [private] health cover," explained Tony. That has led to the medical bill exceeding Dh100,000. Even as the family struggle to arrange for finance, they have been overwhelmed by the unwavering support from a number of their father's students.
Tony and his family want to ease the financial burden by transferring their father from private care to the publicly-funded Rashid Hospital, but there is no bed available at the government facility at the moment.
Helpline
- David needs an estimated Dh250,000 to cover his expected medical costs
- If you want to contribute to covering the cost of David's medical care, there is a collection box at the Bookworm bookshop in the Park 'n' Shop car park, off Al Wasl Road.
- Anyone wishing to contribute in any way should please call Susie on 050-559 5270, email: kmail@eim.net.ae
