Lyons described it as a “trip of a lifetime” which turned into “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
She said on the Givealittle page that the family’s travel insurance only covered one of them to remain in Bali at Ashen’s bedside.
“Understandably, neither of them are going to leave their son, or each other, at this time,” Lyons said.
“This whānau are so incredibly selfless and loving, and it’s their turn to accept some help to cover the expenses of staying in Bali so that they can just focus on Ashen without the added stress of this financial burden.”
Doctors told the family that Ashen had bacterial meningitis caused by undercooked pork. He then developed pneumonia and an upper gastrointestinal tract bleed from a stomach ulcer.
Ashen is in emergency care after contracting bacterial meningitis, believed to have been caused by consuming undercooked pork.
His brain swelling at the time was severe.
Ashen was able to be woken from his coma eventually, which Lyons said was “incredible”.
After two weeks in hospital, his medical team approved him to leave for a few days.
“He continues to have side effects from the meningitis, but is mobilising well and is very determined to get his strength back,” Lyons said at the time.
His parents were also able to give him a “proper hug” for the first time that day since he had become unwell.
Finally, three weeks on from catching the life-threatening illness, Ashen was able to fly home.
“Ashen is still very very fatigued, and is dealing with a few issues as a result of the coma,” Lyons told the Herald.
The family are waiting for a neurology appointment and Sheena, a nurse, was managing his medications and “monitoring him closely”.
“They’re so happy to be back on home soil, but obviously it’s all been very traumatic and they’re hopeful that Ashen will get some energy back soon,” Lyons said.
The Givealittle page has so far raised $22,000, some of which will go towards ongoing care for Ashen at home.
Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 12 years.