Chef fighting for his life after fall in Peru

The former chef of The White Hart in Buckingham is fighting for his life after falling from a roof in Peru.
Will WelchWill Welch
Will Welch

Only last month, Will Welch, 58, was working at the pub and living with his half-sister, Judie Lusby, in Buckingham.

But once he had saved enough, adventurer Will jetted off to Peru to create alternative energy sources in a small town. He had only been in Tarapoto for a week, when he fell from a roof.

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Will suffered a severely fractured skull and swelling of the brain. He remains in a coma at hospital in Lima.

Judie, 72, has been contacted by the Foreign Office to ask what she would like to say at a cremation service, if he loses his battle.

She said: “His brain is mush and we might have to let him go.

“I told the Foreign Office we all love him and miss him, but maybe it was one adventure too far.

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“My worry is that because it’s a Catholic country, they won’t let him die.

“Will was at his happiest planning his next adventure.

“He was thrilled to be going to Peru, and all his family and many friends, from all over the world, are devastated by the shocking news.”

Judie has asked for a police report on how Will ended up in hospital because she is questioning what happened to him.

She was surprised that his only injuries were to his head, despite falling from a height.

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And the horror of hearing the news was worsened, when it was discovered that Will did not have any travel insurance.

Will’s friend and former business partner, Chris Marchington, said: “The medical bills and repatriation costs will be in the many thousands of pounds.

“His friends have set up a donation and news page at www.savewillwelch.com

“Any contribution will be really welcome.”

After a successful career in graphic design in London, Will decided to dedicate his life to ecology.

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He first campaigned for the Green Party, then put his energies into various practical projects to benefit local communities.

He travelled to the Caribbean in 2008, where he helped set up an organic garden using hydroponics to grow fruit and vegetables.

After a break-up with his girlfriend, Will returned to England and stayed with Judie, living in Sandmartin Close. But as soon as he could embark on his next adventure, he did, flying to Lima in March.

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