Mad moths forced me off balcony
KIRK’S LETHAL PHOBIA
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TOURIST Kirk Shepherd was left fighting for life after plunging from his hotel balcony when he was spooked by moths.
Kirk 34, suffered a brain haemorrhage after falling three storeys while trying to escape the pests on a trip to Turkey.
He was unconscious for four days and spent three weeks in hospital.
Lost
He also suffered a perforated eardrum, broken collarbone, six shattered ribs and a fractured back.
Kirk, from Lichfield, Staffs, has a moth phobia and was terrified when a swarm flew on to the balcony where he was standing.
Wife Joy, 44, said: “They seemed to come from everywhere. As they got near Kirk lost his balance and went over the balcony. It happened so quickly.
“I looked over the balcony and he was on the ground. I screamed.”
Their daughter Tyler fainted as Joy ran to help him.
Joy said: “There were no signs of any movement. I honestly thought ® I was coming home without him.”
Kirk is now home, months later, but still struggles physically.
He said: “I remember waking up and Joy asking me, ‘Do you know where you are?’
“I think I’m always going to have discomfort in my back and side. It’s difficult.” Kirk’s moth phobia is among a string of unusual fears.
Barmaid Kirstie Hughes was left terrified of wardrobes after watching a horror film featuring one as a child.
Student Lauren Dodd was diagnosed with a phobia of tomato sauce.