The father of an Australian teenager left fighting for his life in Europe after a freak accident has revealed his son has already gotten out of bed and moved out.
Jordan Theobald, 29, was seriously injured after jumping off the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and falling more than 20 metres before reaching the river.
Mr Theobald had been on a romantic getaway with his partner Laura Mahoney after the couple had spent years saving money.
The 29-year-old man broke his spine and was rushed to intensive care where he underwent emergency surgery.
Theobald’s father, Jason, shared a touching update on Sunday revealing that his son had been making progress in the hospital.
“Today he walked about 50 meters without help. He can get up and lie down again without help,” she wrote on Facebook.
“He is in very good spirits. He does not take strong painkillers and only needs paracetamol when necessary.”
‘He’s still in ICU and has to stay in bed unless the physical therapists are working with him.’
Jordan Theobald, 29, was seriously injured after jumping off the iconic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and falling more than 20 metres before reaching the river (pictured, Theobald with partner Laura Mahoney)
Before jumping off the 16th-century Ottoman bridge, Theobald had received training at the diving club that operates at the popular tourist attraction.
Jason shared his gratitude for the messages of support that had been sent to him.
“He said the staff at Mostar hospital have been amazing and he is in good hands,” she wrote.
“They’ve said it’s a real miracle that he’s made it this far so quickly, as he arrived at the hospital as a paraplegic. Someone is looking after him.”
The friend thanked those who offered support and encouragement to Mr. Theobald. GoFundMe which had been set up to raise money for his medical bills and his flight back to Australia.
The friend added: “He (Mr Theobald) has said the staff at Mostar hospital have been amazing and he is in good hands.”
“They’ve said it’s a real miracle that he’s made it this far so quickly, as he arrived at the hospital as a paraplegic. Someone is looking after him.”
Ms. Mahoney said 7News that her partner had “great mental strength” and that he “stayed positive” and “hopeful.”
The Melbourne couple planned to settle in France at the end of their European trip.
Their priority has shifted to returning to Australia as soon as possible so Mr Theobald can begin his recovery.
Ms Mahoney said the diving club had seen many injuries before, but not on the scale of Mr Theobald’s injuries.
Ms Mahoney said they had only been in Mostar two days before the tragic accident which shattered her T12 vertebra.
Before jumping off the 16th-century Ottoman bridge, Mr Theobald had received training at the diving club that operates at the popular tourist attraction.
“When the big jump came, there was an accident and he landed incorrectly,” Mahoney said.
Mr Theobald was rushed to hospital and placed in ICU with paralysis in the lower half of his body.
Ms Mahoney said the diving club had seen many injuries before, but not as serious as Mr Theobald’s.
“There are always risks involved in jumping from such a high bridge,” he said.
Ms Mahoney said that because Mr Theobald is in ICU, he has not been able to spend more than 10 minutes a day with his partner.
He said he is grateful to the medical team that is caring for him.
Ms Mahoney also expressed her gratitude to Australians who have supported the GoFundMe campaign, which has so far raised nearly $73,000.
“The generosity, support and kind messages we’re receiving have not gone unnoticed,” Mahoney said.
