Prominent Turkish businessman Ali Sabanci was seriously injured in August 2023 when the speed boat he was driving struck rocks off the island of Leros, injuring him and his wife. Two years later, he made a generous donation to the hospital on Leros, where doctors saved his life, thus facilitating his transfer to Turkey for further treatment.
Sabanci who had sustained serious injuries and his wife were initially treated at Leros Hospital before being transferred to Istanbul, where he underwent surgery to have his spleen removed.
Hospital officials in Leros said their prompt interventions were lifesaving, allowing the couple to be transfered and continue treatment in Turkey.
That night, Sabanci, his wife and their two sons were sailing from the island of Lipsoi to a restaurant on Leros. (KTG reported on the accident on August HERE.)
Two years after the accident, Sabanci donated 5.6 million Turkish lira (approximately 115,000 euros) to the hospital that saved his life.
He also expressed his deep gratitude to the medical and nursing staff whose care was critical. He is reportedly is expected to visit Leros soon to thank personally those involved in his rescue and treatment.
The hospital administration announced the donation fund will be used for the modernization of the the surgical unit with a specific surgery bed and surgery light.
56-year-old Ali Sabanci is chairman of Pegasus Airlines Board of Directors and of Esas Holding, and is a third generation member of the Sabanci family, one of the wealthiest families in Turkey.
