Hopes were raised last night that injured Inverness judo star Stephanie Inglis could be a “step closer to recovering” after she was flown to Thailand on the advice of medical experts.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games medallist was moved from Vietnam to Bangkok so she could receive more advanced treatment.
The 27-year-old remains in a coma after suffering serious head injuries when she was thrown from a motorbike while on her way to teach English to disadvantaged youngsters more than two weeks ago.
Family and friends had reported on Monday night that they had been given “good news and bad news” by doctors treating her brain injury in Vietnam.
Her brain swelling had reduced but she had developed a lung infection which had progressed to pneumonia, and her body was rejecting antibiotics.
On Tuesday it was decided to move her to Bangkok, but the transfer was delayed due to a tropical storm.
In a post on the “Save Steph” social media page, a friend wrote yesterday: “After a traumatic night of terrible weather and technical issues with planes, Stephanie has at this moment commenced her journey to Bangkok.
“We are all excited and relieved to be able to get her to this point, I will update everyone later as soon as I know she is safe and settled in her new home and another step closer to recovering.”
The flight was expected to take about an hour-and-a-half to reach Bangkok.
The accident is reported to have happened after her skirt was caught in the wheel of the motorbike as she was being taxied to a school in Ha Long, where she had been teaching English for four months.
Ms Inglis’ travel insurance had expired, prompting friends to set-up a fundraising page, which by last night had secured more than £235,000 from 6,624 donors.
Sir Chris Hoy, the country’s most decorated Olympian, sent a video message of support to Ms Inglis on Tuesday, urging his compatriot to “keep fighting”.
