KEY POINTS:
A couple may have to sell their family home to cover the costs of bringing to NZ a son who suffered a serious brain injury during a trip to Africa.
Ngaire and Brian Dent have had to pay $65,000 in air fares to bring James Greenwood to Auckland from a trauma hospital in Johannesburg.
While still coming to terms with the extent of their son's brain damage following a massive seizure, the Dents, who live in Maungaturoto, 64km south of Whangarei, learned that his insurance company would not cover the costs.
On top of air fares and associated costs, the couple are awaiting the bill from the Johannesburg hospital where Mr Greenwood spent several weeks - at a cost of about $1500 a day.
The Dents now face selling their home to cover the bills.
Mr Greenwood is still seriously ill in North Shore Hospital. Doctors have warned his parents there is little hope he will make a substantial recovery.
The former Otamatea High School student, who had studied in Edinburgh for several years, suffered a violent brain seizure during an environmental studies field trip to Madagascar.
His insurer refuses to pay out because it says this was due to his pre-existing epilepsy.
Mrs Dent said: "If someone offers you a chance ... that a son or daughter can be restored to you, even if it will cost you everything you own, you take the chance."
- Northern Advocate
