The family of a 27-year-old Port St Mary man who suffered a severe hypoglycaemic brain injury two years ago say they are ‘still waiting’ to bring him home - nearly six months after first appealing for community support.

Ethan Richardson sustained a significant brain injury on September 8, 2024, as a result of hypoglycaemia - a medical condition caused by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood - and continues to receive neurological care in the UK.

Ethan’s mother, Jo Dunne, has travelled regularly from the Isle of Man to be with him during his time in the UK, often staying in a camper van to keep costs down.

The situation has placed significant strain on the family, with Jo’s partner remaining on the Isle of Man to support their other son.

In a fresh update, Jo said the family is still waiting for Manx Care to formally ratify the decision for Ethan to return to the Isle of Man and agree the care package he will need.

‘The reality is that no family should have to live indefinitely between two places, waiting for decisions that will determine whether someone they love can come home,’ Jo said.

‘Most painfully, this is more time that Ethan is spending away from his little boy. There are ordinary moments between a father and his child that most of us would never think twice about - sitting together, having a cuddle, sharing a meal, simply being in the same room - that are incredibly precious to them both now.

‘Those moments cannot be postponed and given back to them later.’

The family’s fundraiser has raised more than £26,000 towards its £30,000 target.

Due to GoFundMe’s six-month deadline for donations, Jo has moved the money into a separate account, but said it will still be used to adapt their home to meet Ethan’s complex care needs.

Planned modifications include converting the garage into accessible living accommodation and installing disabled access.

Jo added that if Manx Care ultimately does not ratify the decision for Ethan to return home, the family will use the money to help cover the costs of continuing to travel to the UK to be with him.

‘This is something we desperately hope we never have to face,’ she said. ‘We want Ethan home. We have wanted that from the beginning and we continue to do everything within our power to make it possible.

‘But right now, we are at the mercy of decisions we cannot make ourselves. We cannot agree Ethan’s care package. We cannot provide the necessary approvals. We cannot make the process move any faster.

‘We will keep hoping that the decisions needed to bring him home are finally made.

‘Behind every meeting, assessment, care plan and decision is a real person. A son. A father. A member of a family who loves him beyond words.’