The family of a popular and fun-loving woman from Co Down say they are "living in hell" after she fell while on holiday.
Lisa Tumilty, who is a nurse at the Belfast City Hospital Cancer Centre, went to Lanzarote on March 2, with her husband Michael, a place the pair love. But just three days into their retreat, Lisa had a fall and suffered major head trauma.
The 44-year-old, who is from Mayobridge but resides in Annaclone, was airlifted from Lanzarote to the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Dr Negrín where she has been in a critical condition in ICU ever since.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Lisa's sister Sonya said: "They travelled out for a week, and on Sunday they were out for dinner and she fell down steps and suffered a traumatic blow to the head. She is currently in ICU, and her husband is there with her.
"I had went on with Michael's mummy and we came home on Thursday. My sister and her husband, and Michael's daddy and cousin are there at the minute.
"It has been a nightmare, it really has. We got the phonecall on Monday morning and since then, it's been a living hell. Very traumatic and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."
In recent days, a fundraiser was launched, to help support the family through the ordeal. Over the space of 48 hours, an incredible £48,000 has been donated through family, friends and those who have been touched by Lisa's story.
The Go Fund Me reads: "The road to recovery will take some time and hopefully at some point Lisa will be transferred back to hospital in Belfast where her colleagues await her with open arms to continue her treatment.
"Today, with heavy hearts, we ask you if you are able to donate what you can to help support Lisa, Michael and their families through this nightmare which will help cover costs of treatment, flights/accommodation and will lessen the financial pressure as Michael will be by Lisa side for the foreseeable future, in Gran Canaria.
"Michael needs full time accommodation in the area - if you know anyone that has a two or three bedroom apartment please let us know. We understand times are hard if you're not in a position to help financially we ask you please keep Lisa, her family, doctors and nurses in your thoughts and prayers.
"It’s hard for some to imagine how quickly one day can change many lives and unfortunately a lot of families know this all too well but for us, the journey has just begun."
Sonya said her family has been blown away by the support shown to their family, in the communities of Co Down, and further afield.
She says the original Go Fund Me target was £10,000.
"It is unbelievable," Sonya added.
"Lisa is such a good girl. She just loves her job and is the best sister. She has a heart of gold and her smile would light up a thousand stars.
"She would always be in great form and nothing was ever a bother to her, at all."
Follow this link to donate to Lisa's fundraiser, or if you are in position to help with accommodation, please get in touch.
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