A West Belfast woman has hailed family, friends and strangers for supporting their fundraiser to bring her mum home from Malta.
Rosaleen McIlroy, who is from the Lower Falls area, has been in hospital there since Christmas Eve after taking a fall. Now her only way of getting back home, is via an Air Ambulance due to her need for oxygen.
Speaking to Belfast Live from Malta, Rosaleen's daughter Debz said they have been unable to sleep with worry for the 67-year-old and they had no other option but to begin raising money.
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Debz added: "My mummy and brother came over on a holiday on December 22, for Christmas.
"On Christmas Eve they went out for something to eat and she said she didn't feel well. She stood up and the next thing, she collapsed. She has now been in hospital since then.
"We did have insurance but it's not able to pay out to help get mummy home, so we are trying to raise the money ourselves to bring her home via Air Ambulance because she needs 24/7 oxygen.
"My mummy is from the Lower Falls but lives in Poleglass now and has six grandchildren. She's stuck in a ward over here and it's tough on her. We just really need to get her home."
Debz revealed she has been blown away by the support that has been shown to her family already. In just 24 hours, over £2,000 has been raised.
"We know times are tough, and people don't have the money," she added.
"But people are still donating, and we are all so grateful. One woman, who I don't know, donated £100, I couldn't believe it.
"I am refreshing it every five minutes, and just am so overwhelmed. It's incredible."
For more information on how to donate, please follow this link.
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