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Ailing Indian taxi driver reaches home

Abu Dhabi - George's father KE Philodas had knocked the doors of state and national leaders seeking assistance for the costly air ambulance travel.

Elias George has finally got home. Abu Dhabi-based taxi driver, who was on ventilator for two months, reached Kerala on Friday night.
Austine Bruze, his brother, accompanied George in the air ambulance. They travelled from Abu Dhabi Bateen Executive Airport to Cochin International Airport. George, who had suffered a brain stroke, has been admitted to Medical Trust Hospital.
"By God's grace we have reached the hospital safely," Bruze said over phone from Kochi.
George's wife Mary Anju and both children are relieved to have him back. It was an agonising wait of over two months for this family.
George's father KE Philodas had knocked the doors of state and national leaders seeking assistance for the costly air ambulance travel.
"I had lost all hopes. I thank all (Cleveland Clinic) hospital staff, well-wishers, friends and relatives, who all directly or indirectly helped us," Fort Kochi resident Philodas said.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Bruze said: "We had lost all hope from the Central and State governments in India. But we had faith that help will come. I held a meeting with a company. I went there to check as to how much they can contribute for repatriation expenses but the company officials said they would pay the total fees for the air ambulance. It was unbelievable. After half-an-hour, I again went to their office as I had doubt if I had heard them wrongly the first time."
"Also, my special thanks to Khaleej Times August 28 report that made our dreams true," he added.