A Queensland taxi driver is unable to walk after a holiday in Bali turned into a medical nightmare when he suffered a spinal injury, leaving his family facing $100,000 in costs. 

John Lyle, 72, had spent more than a decade working in Airlie Beach, in the Whitsundays.

He and his partner Kate Lemke embarked on a 42-day trip to Bali in April, but while visiting the Gili Islands, Mr Lyle fell when a step on a horse-drawn cart broke beneath him. 

‘John suffered a devastating spinal injury after a fall, leaving him with loss of feeling and mobility from his hips to his toes,’ a friend said in a GoFundMe for Mr Lyle.

‘He underwent emergency spinal surgery on May 26 but, after developing blood clots around his spinal cord, required a second surgery just two days later. 

‘This has caused delays in John’s spinal recovery.’

The friend said Mr Lyle has faced multiple intensive care unit stays, pneumonia and an ‘incredibly difficult road to recovery’. 

‘John has been in hospital for eight weeks and continues to focus on intensive rehabilitation, working hard each day to regain sensation and mobility,’ they said. 

Taxi driver John Lyle has been left with a serious spinal injury requiring ongoing medical treatment after he fell while on holiday in Bali

Mr Lyle had to undergo emergency surgery and spend time in intensive care 

Mr Lyle’s insurer rejected his claim, according to a friend, leaving him and his family facing high medical and accommodation costs

‘His partner, Kate, has remained by his side throughout this journey.’ 

Ms Lemke has since spoken to local media, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, describing her partner’s recovery as ‘slow and steady’. 

She said Mr Lyle is now staying at an accessible villa and they have hired a pressure mattress, hoist and nursing support. 

Mr Lyle’s ordeal became more complicated after his travel insurance claim was rejected, according to the fundraiser, who has not named his provider. 

‘Their travel insurance claim was declined (a decision they are continuing to challenge), leaving them to cover all medical expenses themselves using their savings and John’s superannuation,’ they said. 

‘Medical bills, hospital stays and accommodation have already exceeded $100,000, with costs continuing to rise, and the couple still do not know when John will be well enough to return home.’ 

The GoFundMe was launched by a friend to help ease the financial burden so the couple can focus on Mr Lyle’s recovery and getting him back to Australia.