In a heartfelt appeal, EastEnders actor Jake Wood is urging fans to rally behind a fundraising initiative for a BBC crew member who has been left in a coma after a tragic accident. The crew member, Connor, who works as an electrician on the set of Albert Square, suffered a severe fall while on a Christmas vacation in Colombia. This incident led to numerous emergency surgeries, prompting the launch of a fundraising campaign to support his crucial medical needs.

Jake Wood, famed for his role as Max Branning on the beloved soap opera, took to Instagram to praise Connor, describing him as a “top man” and highlighting the respect he commands at the studio. Through his platform, which boasts 193,000 followers, Jake shared details of the GoFundMe page set up to assist Connor.

“It’s a miracle that he has survived,” Jake shared with his followers. “He has a family, and his mum has flown out to be with him. A GoFundMe page has been created in his name, as funds are urgently needed to cover medical expenses and, hopefully, bring him back home.” According to the Mirror, by midday on December 6, the campaign had already raised £22,800 of its £26,000 target.

The list of donors includes Jake Wood himself, who contributed £200. Other notable contributors are Gillian Taylforth and Emma Barton, each donating £100, while Jacqueline Osborne matched Jake’s donation with another £200.

Among the supporters, Adam Woodyatt and Francesca Henry each made £100 contributions. Victoria Dean, who organized the fundraising page, noted that Connor’s family is still uncertain if his travel insurance will cover the increasing medical costs.

“Whilst travelling in Colombia over Christmas, Connor was admitted to hospital following a fall from the 11th storey. Connor has undergone multiple life-saving procedures and is currently in ICU in critical condition in Colombia,” she penned.

She highlighted concerns about the potential delays in insurance payouts, appealing to “those who know Con, if they can help in any way, no matter how small, to cover medical bills to ensure he gets the vital treatment that he needs and for specialist transport back to the UK once he is medically fit enough to travel.”

The electrician was praised as “a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and is clearly meant to be here as it is a miracle that he survived the fall.”

A January 2 update disclosed that Connor had spent nine days in a coma but was now “off of medical ventilation and breathing with minimal support”, noting he remained in ICU under light medical sedation “but aware that Denise is there and is responding to her”.

“He was due to have another surgery today” the post continued, “but this has been delayed and we are hoping to get a date for next week. Thank you so much for all of your support, it really means the world to all of us. Love from Denise and family Xxxx.”