75-year-old father fights for life after stroke in Greece

Alex Thamnidis, a 75-year-old man, suffered a stroke last month while in Greece, leading to his hospitalization in intensive care. He underwent an extensive eight-hour quadruple bypass operation, which was financially supported by his wife Lydia and one of their daughters through a loan. Although Alex's condition improved post-surgery, the family now faces significant financial strain due to the high medical costs associated with his treatment. Nikos, Alex's son residing in Tunstall, Staffs, expressed his distress over the situation, particularly as he is unable to travel to Greece due to the exorbitant cost of airfare, with the cheapest ticket priced at £600. This financial burden has left him feeling helpless, as he cannot secure a loan to assist his family during this critical time. The family's challenges are exacerbated by the recent privatization of Greece's healthcare system, which has dramatically increased the costs of medical care. Nikos highlighted the drastic changes in the healthcare landscape since he left Greece nine years ago, emphasizing the difficulties families face in affording necessary treatments. In response to their predicament, Nikos has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise £10,000 to help cover the medical expenses. He appeals for any financial assistance, no matter how small, to alleviate the burden on his family and ensure his father's recovery continues without the added stress of debt.