A mother-of-two from Birkenhead who is facing a £50,000 hospital bill after suffering horrific injuries while on holiday in Turkey, has received huge support from her local community.
Rebekka Kelly was on a trip away with her son Sonny, 10, when she had a crash while in a safari buggy in Antalya on September 2. The hired vehicle “flew off a cliff”, fracturing her pelvis, along with seven vertebrae, while she also suffered internal bleeding and permanent nerve damage in her lower back.
She was rushed to hospital, where she underwent two critical operations to drain her internal wounds and inset metal plates into her spine. She now remains stranded in Turkey after being landed with the enormous bill, with the hospital saying she can’t leave until she has stumped up half the cost, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Rebekka cannot afford to pay. And she fears is not covered by the insurance included in the package she booked with holiday company TUI
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.
Sonny was also injured in the accident, but he was able to return home three days later. Rebekka also has another son Leo, five.
She 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 is getting over the trauma and Leo coping. Hoping you’re home soon my love.”
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 added: “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.”
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
