The family of Marshall Latham, a British retiree, is seeking justice following an unprovoked assault that left him with severe life-changing injuries during a holiday in Fuerteventura, Spain. Latham, 68, is currently hospitalised at the Insular Hospital in Gran Canaria, where doctors have informed his partner, Lynn, that he has suffered a traumatic brain injury with little hope of recovery.

The incident occurred on December 10 while Latham was walking back to his apartment in Caleta de Fuste after a night out with friends. Reports indicate that he was punched from behind by a stranger, which caused him to fall and strike his head on the pavement. After the assault, he was initially taken to a local hospital where he underwent emergency procedures due to the critical nature of his injuries, including intubation and ventilation. His condition necessitated a transfer by air ambulance to a more equipped facility in Gran Canaria, where he has since undergone extensive medical interventions, including the removal of a portion of his skull to relieve pressure on the brain.

Since the assault, Latham has battled further complications, including pneumonia and meningitis. Friends and family have been informed on multiple occasions that they may need to say their goodbyes, as his chances of survival have been in doubt. In a statement regarding Latham’s situation, friend Neil Cooper noted, “He is still fighting despite us being told, not once, but twice, that we need to go and say our goodbyes… We want to bring Marsh’s attacker to justice.” Cooper launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise £20,000 to help cover legal costs, as their travel insurance does not provide coverage for such situations. The fundraising page, titled ‘Help Us Get Justice For Marsh,’ highlights the sudden and unprovoked nature of the attack.

The perpetrator of this incident has since been arrested; he was taken into custody while attempting to board a flight back to Glasgow after being ejected from a bar the same night of the assault. However, the status of the arrest remains unclear, as police in Fuerteventura have yet to confirm whether the individual is being held in custody or released on bail while investigations continue.

In an update before the launch of their fundraising campaign, Latham’s brother-in-law, Jim Casey, expressed the family’s determination to ensure that the attacker faces the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed it is assisting Latham’s family during this distressing time as they navigate the challenges of both medical care abroad and the legal implications of the incident.

As his condition worsens, friends and family remain hopeful for his eventual return to the UK, where they plan to continue supporting him as he faces a long road to recovery, albeit with the knowledge that he will require round-the-clock care moving forward.

Source: Noah Wire Services