Ronnie Bickford: Popular Footscray Suedehead Barber remains in coma after ear infection

A popular Footscray barber remains in an induced coma following emergency brain surgery caused from an ear infection.

Suedehead Barbershop worker Ronnie ‘Johnny’ Bickford was rushed to hospital on Friday with a serious ear infection.

A popular Footscray barber remains in an induced coma following emergency brain surgery.

Suedehead Barber Ronnie ‘Johnny’ Bickford was rushed to hospital with severe bacterial meningitis caused from an ear infection on Friday.

His wife Rowie Kelly said an abscess was removed from the Barkley St barber’s brain during surgery on Monday.

He remains in a critical condition.

“It’s quite serious and we don’t know what the long term effects are as yet,” Ms Kelly said.

A GoFundMe page has been started to support Mr Bickford’s recovery. It has raised $30,110 of its $50,000 goal as of 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out with love and support for Johnny,” Ms Kelly said.

“The people who set up his GoFundMe and everyone who has donated.

“It was overwhelmingly kind of you all and I hope when Johnny wakes up it takes some of his stress away.”

Hundred of messages have been shared on social media in support of the barber’s recovery who specialises in traditional shaves and cuts.

Jodie Buckley, who organised the online fundraiser, said the support had been amazing.

“Johnny, Rowie, their amazing kids as well as Seudehead needs our support,” she said.

“Johnny is currently in hospital, in a coma and we want to make sure, when he comes out he doesn’t have worry in the world.

“Please help us raise some dollars to ensure the family don’t need to worry about anything which includes paying the bills for the shop.”