A mother from Birkenhead who was severely injured after her safari buggy ''flew off a cliff' has been shown an "overwhelming amount" of support online from the community. Rebekka Kelly was left with a multitude of injuries when she was involved in a safari buggy crash while on holiday in Antalya, Turkey on September 2.
She was left with a fractured pelvis, seven fractured vertebrae, internal bleeding and permanent nerve damage in her lower back. Rebekka was rushed to hospital where she underwent two critical operations in order to drain her internal wounds and place metal plates into her spine, the Liverpool Echo reports.
However, this was only the start of the nightmare holiday after Rebekka found herself stranded in Turkey when the medical attention she received due to the accident came to a total of £50,000. The mum of two is not confident that her hefty hospital bills will be covered in the insurance package she purchased from TUI for her holiday.
A fundraiser, arranged by her sister in law, Stephanie Houlihan has raked in over £7,500 in just over a day, with two extremely generous donators anonymously gifting £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, I only have £22k in the world. 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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