£33k raised for family of Omagh man seriously injured in Poland

MORE than £30,000 has been raised to support the family of an Omagh man injured in a ‘tragic incident’ in Poland.

Chris Armstrong, who works as a barman in Sally’s pub and is known to family and friends as Sid, is currently ‘critical but stable’ in a hospital in the Polish city of Krakow, where he had been celebrating his birthday with his wife Jill.

No more details have emerged about the incident in recent days which resulted in the local man ending up in hospital.

There has been a massive response to the online fundraising appeal for Chris’s family, with £33,400 having been raised as of this morning.

In a message as part of the online appeal, a family spokesperson described Chris as a ‘caring and loving father and husband’.

“A gentle soul who would help anyone and not ask for anything in return,” the spokesperson added.

“Sid has sadly suffered a devastating brain injury due to a tragic incident in Krakow, Poland, whilst celebrating his birthday with wife Jill.

“Sid is currently in hospital in Poland with an intracranial haemorrhage (bleed to the brain) which unfortunately due to the dangers cannot be operated on.

“He is currently critical but stable, however the road ahead is long and uncertain, with it being possibly weeks or months until he recovers or until the severity of his injury is known. It is a waiting game and we must take each day at a time.

“The duration of his stay in hospital in Poland remains uncertain, as he is currently unable to travel due to his medical condition.

“When he is eventually stable enough to be moved, he will require specialised medical transport by land or sea back to Ireland. This prolonged and complex situation is expected to result in a significant financial burden.

“We are asking our community, friends and family and anyone who knows Sid, Jill and their children Ben and Nèna to help at this very difficult time.

“Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any donation big or small to help. If you could also please share this with as many friends and family members as possible it would be much appreciated.

“The family appreciates all the messages of support, prayers and well wishes and are sorry they can’t reply to everyone at this time.

“Thanks from Jill, Nèna, Ben and all the Armstrong & Murphy extended family.”