A Birkenhead mum who was seriously injured when her safari buggy 'flew off a cliff' has received an outpour of support from the community.
Rebekka Kelly suffered a fractured pelvis, seven fractured vertebrae, internal bleeding and permanent nerve damage in her lower back when the buggy she was travelling in crashed in the middle of a tour in Antalya, Turkey, on September 2. She was taken to hospital, where she underwent two critical operations to drain her internal wounds and inset metal plates into her spine.
But the nightmare was just beginning for the 30-year-old mum of two, who remains stranded in Turkey as she is unable to pay the £50,000 hospital bill, which she fears is not covered by the insurance included in the package she booked with holiday company TUI.
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A fundraiser set up by her sister-in-law, Stephanie Houlihan, brought in more than £7,500 in just 24 hours, with two anonymous good Samaritans donating £500 each.
It is hoped the page will bring in enough money to pay Rebekka's hospital bills, as well as the cost of a medical flight back to the UK so she can be reunited with her sons Leo, five, and Sonny, 10 - who was also injured in the crash, but was able to return home on September 5.
Rebekka said: "The hospital has said I need to pay half the bill before I leave. I'm a single mum who works part time. My mental health is deteriorating, I'm stuck in this white room, hardly anyone speaks English so I can't talk to anyone.
"Physically I'm getting stronger every day. Last week I couldn't even stand up. But now I can walk with a walking aid. Mentally though, I'm just drained."
Stephanie said: "Sonny came home to myself and his uncle three days after the incident- his other uncle had to fly out to Turkey to collect him as he was all alone in the Turkish hospital due to Rebekka being in intensive care.
"Sonny and Leo have not seen their mum for weeks now and they miss her so much."
Friends and neighbours were quick to show their support for Rebekka.
Carmel Amos, who donated £50 to the fundraiser, said: "Bekky is my dad's neighbour. Diamond of a girl and an amazing mum. Thinking of you all, especially her lovely lads . Hoping Sonny getting over the trauma and Leo coping. Hoping you're home soon my love. You need help once home, let me know. Will keep an eye out. Can't believe what has happened . Hoping your getting the best care, keep strong if you can."
Natasha Wilson said: "Sending all my love - this really is so heartbreaking to read. Prayers are with you all and especially to the little boy."
Rebekka said: "People have been so generous. The GoFundMe was a last resort; I didn't want to start one at first because I thought it was embarrassing to ask for money. But now I'd do anything to get home to my kids."
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