A Northern Ireland student remains on life support two weeks after an allergic reaction put him into cardiac arrest.
Kuba Bednarz (Jakub), was born in Poland, but moved to Co Tyrone when he was a toddler, attending school in Omagh and going on to study in Queen's University Belfast.
The 21-year-old, suffered a severe allergic reaction on Friday, March 25, and after complications from this, the young music student was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in the Royal.
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Jakub's friend Joe, told Belfast Live that they are now beginning to fundraise to help him get specialist treatment in Poland.
"This fundraiser is something we never imagined we would have to do," Joe added.
"The money that you donate today will go towards Jakub's medical flight to Poland and then towards his treatment.
"Jakub is in the ICU in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on life support. However, a specialist Neurosurgeon in Poland, believes that all hope is not lost and requires him to fly to Poland in the hope that he can receive life-saving treatment.
"This could have happened to anyone. Your brother, your son, your friend. So we are asking people to please, please donate today to give our friend a fighting chance and to help fund his travel and treatment in Poland."
In under 24 hours, over £12,000 has been raised for Jakub's treatment, by friends, family and strangers.
Blown away by the support, and kindness of those donating to the cause, Joe thanked those who have backed their campaign.
He said: "Jakub is one of the good guys - absolutely the best and this is such an overwhelming tragedy for him, for his family & for us, his friends. Jakub and his family deserve all the help we can give them and obviously all who know Jakub think the same as the support has been mind blowing.
"We have just reached 50% of the £20,000 goal in just over six hours. On behalf of the Bednardz family, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone."
Please click on this link to donate to the fundraiser set up by Jakub's family and friends.
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