Eastleigh man leaves Vietnam hospital after life-saving surgery

Martin Avery, from Bishopstoke, collapsed after having a mini-stroke while in Cambodia

A keen fighter with 69 fights in Muay Thai to his name, the 34-year-old has spent the last year living in Cambodia, training children and adults in Khun Khmer, a Cambodian martial art, at his own gym.

Martin suffered a mini-stroke in October (Image: Submitted) However, Martin’s world came crashing down when on September 27, the fighter was rushed to a Cambodian hospital after having a mini-stroke.

He was told he would need two stents inserted into the arteries in his neck to save his life – at a cost of £30,000.

Martin and his family have since been fundraising to help the trainer get the life-saving surgery.

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On October 13, the 34-year-old was able to walk free from the FV Hospital having successfully undergone the surgery.

Martin said: “I’m back on my feet after having the surgery and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who donated to help save my life.

“I’m forever grateful – thank you so much. It's going to be a long road to recovery but I'm back on my feet and feeling a lot better.”

The family were able to raise £14,000 in donations and took out a loan in order to raise the other £16,000.

Martin’s mum, Tina, 55, who works at Southampton General Hospital, said: “I’m just so grateful my boy is well – I have barely seen him stop smiling since he left hospital.

“To his disappointment he has been told he will never fight again – as his mother I cannot say I’m relived about this.

“When he was 17, martial arts really saved him from going down a dark path. He was drinking, smoking and up to no good.

“But it was also what almost caused his life to be cut short – Im just so thrilled he is on the road to recovery.”