MONTEGO BAY, St James — Dubbed “a hero of Montego Bay” after saving four children and two adults from a building during a major flood five years ago, Lloyd Nelson is now in need of help.

Nelson, who is celebrating his 43rd birthday today, is currently lying on a bed at the Falmouth Public General Hospital with a broken hip and right femur bone. He told the Jamaica Observer that he was flung from his motorcycle while travelling home in St James two weeks ago.

“I had a mishap with a bike that I was riding — I rode the bank and the bike threw me off so I ended up in the drain. I broke my hip and my right femur bone. I was told that I will not be able to walk for right now, so I won’t be able to work,” Nelson said.

Hailing from the rural community of Kempshot in St James, Nelson proudly remembers the horrifying flood in MoBay that led to him being a part of a team of three who rescued two women and four children, including a four-month-old baby. For his role, Nelson received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House in St Andrew in 2018.

“They were trapped inside a building, so I had to break the glass and get them out,” he said.

Now five years later, Nelson said that he is seeking the assistance of Good Samaritans. His injuries require immediate surgical attention; however, Nelson has expressed worry that he is unable to foot the $170,000 bill received for the T2 Recon nail that is needed to “pin” his bones together. He told the Sunday Observer that he cannot afford the nailing system as he is a “poor mobile barber” looking to make ends meet for his family.

Nelson said that he also requires physical therapy to help him walk again, which will come at an additional cost.

“I would really like some financial assistance until I get back on my feet. I need some more help to go towards the pin, it costs $170,000 and a friend has offered to help me with it. I am a mobile barber, so I was always moving around to make a little money, but now I won’t be able to do that,” Nelson explained.

“I believe that each one helps one and together we stand. I helped when I could and now I need that same help so that I can walk again and live as a normal human being. So please help me financially if you can. Thank you,” he appealed.

Anyone wanting to assist Nelson can do so by donating to his Victoria Mutual Building Society savings account.

Account details: Lloyd Nelson

Victoria Mutual Building Society

618077965