Big Brother winner’s dad in coma after contracting virus in Bali

The father of Big Brother winner, Ryan Ginns, is fighting for his life after being bitten by mosquito in Bali and contracting a rare virus.

Big Brother winner Ryan Ginns’ dad is fighting for his life following a holiday to Bali that saw him contract a rare virus from a mosquito bite.

Dez Ginns became extremely ill after returning to the Sunshine Coast and had to be rushed to hospital where he remains in a coma on life support.

Staff at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital discovered Mr Ginns had contracted Japanese encephalitis, which caused life-threatening swelling on his brain, as well as meningitis and other complications including pneumonia.

This virus is extremely are in Australia and doctors believe it was contracted through a mosquito bite during his trip to Indonesia.

The Mooloolaba hairdresser recently spent his 60th birthday hooked up to a ventilator to keep him breathing.

Ryan posted a picture with his dad following the incident. Picture: Ryan Ginns/Instagram

His son Ryan, who won Big Brother 2014, posted a photo of himself and his dad to Instagram with the caption: “My best mate. I love you with all my heart dad. Happy 60th. We’re going to get through this.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Mr Ginns’ medical costs and has raised more than $29,000 in just four days.

“As many of you may know our amazing, funny, larger-than-life hairdresser, confidante and dear friend Dez Ginns has suffered a traumatic and life-altering event and is on life support in hospital,” the page reads.

“Dez is in a coma, supported by a ventilator to help him breathe. He is being cared for by the incredible and compassionate ICU staff at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where he is expected to remain for an extended period.

“It is incredibly stressful time for Judy, his children and family and we are very worried about him.”

Dez Ginns spent his 60th birthday on life support. Picture: GoFundMe

Mr Ginns is reportedly showing some “small positive signs” but the road to recovery is expected to be very long and will have to include 24-hour care and rehabilitation.

“As his friends and clients, we believe the most practical thing we can do at this time, is to help ease the financial burden on his family,” the page reads.

“This incredibly hard working, caring man was the main provider for his household and has been a rock for his beautiful wife through her own health challenges.

“We are asking that if anyone would like to help in any way possible, your generosity would be greatly and lovingly appreciated.”

Mr Ginns’ wife Judy posted a message to the GoFundMe page thanking everyone for their support and generosity during this difficult time.

Mr Ginns’ wife Judy thanked everyone for their support. Picture: Iain Curry/Sunshine Coast Daily

Ryan Ginns was the winner of Big Brother 2014. Picture: Christian Gilles

She revealed she was hesitant at first to accept donations as she didn’t know how her husband would feel about and couldn’t discuss it with him due to him being in a coma.

“When I spoke to our children they thought it would be a great thing to do for their dad as he will need so much time in hospital and rehabilitation,” Ms Ginns said.

“Dez has always put myself and his children first and would do anything for us, so I decided to go ahead with it.

“I know one of his first concerns when he wakes up will be our business and the financial stress that will be a burden on our life.”

She said that their income mainly relies on her husband and the business didn’t run without him.

“He treasures his clients and their friendships many that have been with him since his very early days of hairdressing,” Ms Ginns said.

“I just want to say a huge thank you again to each and every person who is willing Dez on to get through this.”