Goodwill messages and cash pledges have poured in to an online appeal for a Gatehouse shepherd lying seriously ill in an Italian hospital.
Robert McTaggart, 52, suffered a blood clot on the lung a day into his and wife Debbie’s holiday to the south of the country.
He is currently in a cardiology unit in Sorrento and is expected to be moved to a hospital in Naples for specialist treatment shortly.
Debbie told the News from Italy: “It has all been rather overwhelming.
“We are so very grateful for all the generosity and good wishes shown to Robert. It is touching to see how liked and well thought of he is.”
A £20,000 JustGiving appeal to help defray the couple’s medical costs has been launched.
By lunchtime yesterday the appeal had raised more than £12,300.
It is being spearheaded by Eilidh MacPherson of Marbrack Farm near Carsphairn.
Eilidh, who is fundraising in her role as chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway branch of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association, said: “We are raising funds for Robert McTaggart.
“While on holiday in Italy with his wife Debbie, Robert suffered a pulmonary embolism on his lung and has some heart issues.
“He has been in a cardiology intensive care unit since last Saturday and is being transferred to a
specialist cardiology unit in Naples. ”
And she claimed: “Robert and Debbie are currently having the run around from their insurance company.”
Chris Bond of The Glen farm at Gatehouse, where Mr McTaggart is stockman and shepherd, wished him a full recovery and a speedy return to Galloway.
He told the News: “Robert is currently in hospital in Sorrento and I don’t think he’s coming home any time soon.
“He was in Italy for 10 days and was expected back home on Friday. I believe it happened the first day he was there.
“Robert is a very special man.
“His knowledge and expertise is legendary – ask anybody in the market and they will tell you that.”
Mr McTaggart’s fellow Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association Dumfries and Galloway branch member John Finlay, whose family farms at Blackcraig of Corsock, gave his best wishes to the couple.
He said: “It’s terrible – it’s one of the worst nightmares that can happen, it’s shocking.
“I just hope Robert gets home as quickly as possible and makes a full recovery.”
Top Blackface breeder Jimmy Wallace, of Fingland farm near Dalry, also hoped that Mr McTaggart makes a quick return to good health.
He said: “Robert is a leading figure among Blackface breeders in Scotland.
“Oh behalf of all of us here I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund or post a message of support can do so at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/robert-mctaggart
