Wearside holidaymaker remains critically ill in Cuba

A Wearside man is still fighting for his life in Cuba.
Keith Rochester and his wife Sharon.Keith Rochester and his wife Sharon.
Keith Rochester and his wife Sharon.

A week after being rushed into hospital with a burst pancreas while on holiday, Keith Rochester is still critical and on a life-support ventilator.

However, his wife Sharon said the Houghton man has managed to open his eyes a couple of times.

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The 42-year-old said: “Keith suffered a collapsed lung on Friday night, but hopefully this is all ok now. The doctors have said that he is still critical.

“We hold his hands, give him lots of kisses and love and talk about all his friends and family, sharing all the messages that we are receiving.

“We are remaining positive and giving him strength every time we visit.”

Keith, 41, is the brother of Christopher Rochester, who died after a fall from a balcony in Rhodes in 2000 and whose body was flown back with a kidney missing.

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Since then his parents, Pam and George Cumming from Chester-le-Street, have been in a battle with the Greek authorities over the missing organ.

Keith’s sister, Liz Cummings flew out to Cuba last week to support her brother and sister-in-law, and their parents are due to join them next week.

A family friend has set up a fundraising page to help ease the financial pressures on Keith and Sharon.

Sharon said: “We know it is going to be a very long road ahead and as we are both unable to work, as well as keeping us here, it is important that we keep fundraising.”