Jacob moved to Malta four years ago and works as a sommelier with the db Group. The couple, both originally from Kerala in southern India, married three years ago. Tonamol moved to Malta a year later, first working as a carer at Mater Dei Hospital before qualifying as a nurse and later joining St Vincent de Paul Residence.

A few days before the accident, she had been asked to cover for a sick nurse at Mount Carmel Hospital. On that day, she was dropped off at the bus stop opposite the hospital at 6.40am by a friend. As she crossed the road, she was hit by a car.

The impact threw her against a bollard before she landed in nearby bushes. She was rushed to Mater Dei, where she underwent emergency brain surgery to reduce swelling.

Doctors initially feared she would not survive the first 48 hours. She has, however, remained alive in a coma. Over time, her condition has shown small signs of progress, including opening her eyes and making eye contact, although she has not yet regained responsiveness.

Jacob has returned to work after taking a break to remain constantly at her side. He now balances his night shifts with spending every day at the hospital.

Since he has no family in Malta, he hopes to bring his wife back to India, where she can continue her treatment surrounded by relatives. The cost of medical transport and ongoing hospital care is estimated at around €50,000, far more than he can afford on his own.

To cover this expense, he has launched a crowdfunding campaign which has already surpassed the estimated hospital cost sitting at €60,000.

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